April showers bring May flowers…and according to an old belief, they also bring a worsening of arthritis. Some people even claim they can predict rain when their joints ache. But is that true, or a myth? May is National Arthritis … Continue reading →

Is your diet made up exclusively of dishes you create from scratch, using fresh ingredients? Most likely not! Most of us use plenty of canned, boxed, frozen or bottled products, and that’s just fine—so long as what’s in those packages … Continue reading →

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, only following heart disease. Each year, almost 1,800,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer, and close to 600,000 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

Experts from Greece offer insights that could provide a heart health boost morning, noon and night! Give your morning repast a makeover Does what we eat for breakfast, and how much, make a difference in the health of our arteries? … Continue reading →

Does your loved one like to play games? Were they competitive in their younger years? Just because they might be at diminished mental or physical capacity does not mean that they can’t participate in competitive activities now. Being happily engaged … Continue reading →

The holidays are here! Festive lights and music cheer us up during these darkest days of the year. We reunite with loved ones—either in person, or perhaps online, as many of us did last year. Unwrapping our heirloom decorations bathes … Continue reading →

Finland is known for valuing healthy, active living. And did you know that with the exception of Japan, Finland has the fastest-growing percentage of older adults of any country? University researchers in Finland are drawing on many studies of its … Continue reading →

Today, many people are using health care approaches that are not considered to typically be part of conventional medical care. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), these products and practices fall into three categories: Complementary practices … Continue reading →

When it comes to vaccines, most of the conversation these days concerns shots to protect us from COVID-19. People who are living with a heart condition are at higher risk of both contracting the virus that causes COVID, and experiencing … Continue reading →

The Flintstones had all sorts of humorous labor-saving devices—a dinosaur lawn mower, a mastodon vacuum cleaner and so forth. But in reality, our ancient ancestors worked hard to survive. Anthropologists tell us this might be why it’s so hard to … Continue reading →

Do you “doomscroll”? That word was coined to describe a habit many of us have developed over the past few years, obsessively clicking on links to bad news in our social media feeds or online news sites. “The biology of … Continue reading →

As stay-at-home orders went into place, the streets were virtually deserted. Businesses and industries suspended production. Airlines canceled flights. Live music at bars and concert arenas ceased. Even the 4th of July fireworks were called off. That resulted in a quieter … Continue reading →

This summer, much of the country has been suffering under the blistering heat. High temperatures are especially dangerous for older adults, and dehydration is one of the big factors when they experience heat-related illness. Yet even during cooler times of … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

Last month, June 21 – 27 was World Continence Week. The Urology Foundation says this recognition week is to “highlight the impact urinary incontinence can have on our lives and encourage those living with incontinence to seek help so they … Continue reading →

Older adults were hardest hit by the effects of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, facing the highest risk of serious illness and death from the disease. Social distancing helped protect them, but posed a threat to their physical and mental … Continue reading →

May was National Osteoporosis Awareness Month. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones gradually thin and weaken. It is common among older adults of all genders—yet many people mistakenly believe that it’s only a health concern of women. It’s true that … Continue reading →

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. During this month, the emphasis has been on ways to lower the risk of stroke and the latest research on stroke treatment. And one more thing that’s heavily emphasized: When it comes to stroke … Continue reading →

May is Arthritis Awareness Month. Over 54 million people in the U.S. are living with arthritis, and with the aging of our population, that number will grow. Arthritis is the general term for a group of more than 100 conditions … Continue reading →

During National Sleep Month in March, sleep experts have been offering tips and advice for better slumber. Scientists know more these days about sleep and its role in health. When we sleep, our bodies might be resting, but our brains … Continue reading →

Rehabilitation for Our Most Important Muscle This is a great time to learn about cardiac rehabilitation, an important healthcare resource for people who have heart problems. It includes exercise, education on heart-healthy living, and counseling to reduce stress and help … Continue reading →

Gerontologists tell us that feeling we make a difference in the world provides a powerful healthy aging boost. A 2019 study of 7,000 older adults published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science showed that those who engaged in … Continue reading →

Our New Year’s resolutions often include weight loss and healthy eating—and reducing our sugar intake can help us meet both of those worthy goals. USDA guidelines recommend that we take in less than 10% of our daily calories from sugar. … Continue reading →

Among the other side effects of COVID-19 and the accompanying quarantine, dentists say that more patients are calling with broken or cracked teeth—a result of the stress we’re experiencing, which we often take out on our teeth with clenching or … Continue reading →

There is exciting news these days about the progress being made toward distribution of the vaccine targeting the virus that causes COVID-19, which has taken the lives of so many people worldwide. Older adults have been hardest hit by the … Continue reading →

It looks as if there is good news on the horizon as research teams forge full speed ahead to develop and distribute a vaccine to control the spread of the coronavirus. But it will be some time before the pandemic … Continue reading →

During 2020, prevention has been top of mind for many of us! Though we can and should be immunized against seasonal influenza (“the flu”), a vaccine for COVID-19 isn’t available yet. The tools at our disposal for lowering our risk … Continue reading →

After surgery or another medical procedure, patients often take part in a rehabilitation program to help them achieve optimal healing and function. Rehab helps them build their muscles, regain function, and cope with the emotional and cognitive aspects of recovery. … Continue reading →

Pain isn’t “all in your head,” as some people dismissively say. However, the way we think about our pain can make a big difference! In August 2020, a research team from Penn State University Center for Healthy Aging published a … Continue reading →

If you’re like most people these days, you’re spending a certain amount of time fretting. Given what’s going on in the world right now, that’s understandable. But what if you can’t stop the bad thoughts that are going through your … Continue reading →

Many studies show that ageism is a serious health problem, both in the U.S. and around the world. So today, there’s a big push to improve the way aging is portrayed. In place of the images of yesteryear—older adults walking … Continue reading →

Every summer, many Americans suffer from heat-related illness, and experts caution that 2020 will offer extra challenges. People who quarantine in a home without air conditioning can overheat quickly, and many of the traditional spots where we go to cool … Continue reading →

As experts are learning more about COVID-19, they’ve found that certain underlying health conditions raise a patient’s risk of serious complications and death. Diabetes is one of those conditions. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) explains that while having diabetes doesn’t … Continue reading →

Not wanting to risk exposure to the coronavirus at a public grocery store during the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are opting to have groceries, prepared foods, and meal kits delivered to their homes. And though restaurants are closed, many still … Continue reading →

By now most of us are well aware of steps we can take to reduce our risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. It’s top of mind for most folks when we think about our health at this … Continue reading →

These days, it seems like we have a lot to worry about! The coronavirus outbreak, politics, the stock market, all added to our usual worries about health, money, perhaps the problems of other family members … we can all be … Continue reading →

Many people assume the nutritional requirements of seniors are the same as those for younger adults. But a report released by the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) revealed that it’s not that simple. The researchers … Continue reading →

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a large vein, usually in the lower leg, thigh, pelvis or arm. This clot can cause temporary or permanent damage to the vein where it forms. And if a clot … Continue reading →

Polls show that when it comes to aging, worrying about memory loss is a top concern of Americans. A recent study conducted by the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation found that nearly half of middle-age residents … Continue reading →

You’ve no doubt read of the terrible opioid epidemic that is ruining—and taking—so many lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 40 people die each day from an overdose of opioid medications, such as hydrocodone, oxycodone … Continue reading →

It’s that time of year when our nose can be as red as Rudolph’s! Researchers have various theories about why we’re more likely to catch the common cold in the winter. One reason is that all the holiday travel and … Continue reading →

As we grow older, we are more likely to be living with chronic health conditions. Heart disease, arthritis, vision and hearing loss, diabetes and many other illnesses all can take a toll on our quality of life, so it’s not … Continue reading →

It’s a pretty common New Year’s resolution: join a gym, or if you already have a membership, spend more time there. Working out at a gym offers many health advantages, including weight control, disease management and depression-busting. Instructors teach classes … Continue reading →

Every human culture has a musical tradition. Why do we love music? If you think about it, isn’t it remarkable that among all the many noises in the world, we perceive certain tones, patterns and intervals as “music”? Brain scientists … Continue reading →

Seniors have a lifetime of wisdom to share—and yet, say experts, today’s older adults may have few opportunities to do so! Said University of Toronto professor Markus Schafer, “While the average 65-year-old may well have more wisdom than the average … Continue reading →

Most of us know that exercise is a—if not the—top way to promote healthy aging. A good exercise program for seniors includes aerobic, muscle strengthening and balance activities. And it’s good to know that walking is a great way to … Continue reading →

June Is Oral Health Month Our teeth and gums change as we grow older. Years of wear and tear take a toll, often causing thinning enamel and broken or lost teeth. Teeth with repairs such as crowns, fillings and root … Continue reading →

Easter eggs have been a tradition for a long time. But when it comes to the health benefits of eggs, research teams have been throwing eggs at one another’s studies for some time! Perhaps you’ve been following the ongoing debate? … Continue reading →

March is National Kidney Month. During February, we celebrated National Heart Month, and this month we’re focusing on kidney health. It’s appropriate that these two recognition events are close together, because kidney health and heart health are closely related! The … Continue reading →

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to quit smoking. A month into 2019, a certain percentage of smokers who resolved to become former smokers are still sticking with it. But some report that during January, they seem … Continue reading →

On the global level, the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organization hold World Diabetes Day on November 14 each year to call attention to the health and well-being of the 425 million people around the world who … Continue reading →

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Many of us pledge to take steps to improve our health. This year might be a great one to focus on bone and joint health problems, which are among the most prevalent … Continue reading →

Last year’s flu season was unusually severe. This year—which is incidentally the 100th anniversary of the devastating 1918 Spanish flu pandemic—it’s important to pay attention to the dangers of seasonal influenza. The flu can be a serious illness for people … Continue reading →

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. If not treated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. There is at present no cure for HIV, but it can be controlled. Many people are under the impression that HIV/AIDS is … Continue reading →

Falling is a big senior health issue! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25 percent of older adults will fall this year, and many will suffer brain damage, a hip fracture or other broken bone—injuries that … Continue reading →

Many studies show that owning a pet can benefit us in multiple ways, no matter what our age. Pets provide companionship, motivation to exercise, a context for socializing, stress reduction and a powerful emotional boost. But experts advise us that … Continue reading →

If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, you know that taking care of yourself and following the doctor’s advice are year-round tasks. But according to experts, summertime can offer some extra challenges. The Centers for Disease Control … Continue reading →

When tourists from other countries visit the U.S., they are often surprised by the size of portions in restaurants. In many countries, it is considered rude to ask for a “doggie bag.” That is partly a difference in custom, but … Continue reading →

The bright summer sun sends many of us to the drugstore or a mall kiosk to buy a new pair of sunglasses. We might try on 20 pairs, checking ourselves in the mirror to see if they look great on … Continue reading →

The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society recently confirmed that tai chi can be an excellent exercise to lower seniors’ risk of falling. Researchers from the University of Jaén in Spain examined the data from a number of studies, and … Continue reading →