For many caregivers, it is in their very nature to care selflessly for another, putting their own needs, feelings, and problems aside to ensure the safety and healing of their loved one or friend. But, too often, caregivers reach damaging and unhealthy levels of stress before they come to the point of reaching out for…
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 15% of adults — 37 million of us — have chronic kidney disease. That’s roughly one in seven Americans. Meanwhile, that number is closer to 38% for seniors aged 65 and over. In that light, new renal disease treatments are often cause for celebration. Consider these facts:…
If the doctor has recommended surgery for your loved one’s injured hip, you may feel a little apprehensive. After all, surgery is an invasive process fraught with risks. As such, you may find yourself researching hip replacement alternatives late into the night. You know that seniors with damaged hip joints often face difficulties in performing…
Urinary Incontinence (UI)occurs when a person’s urine leaks by accident. It can happen to anyone but is most common among mature women. After a lifetime of hormonal changes and the rigors of pregnancy, female pelvic floor muscles often become weakened. They sag and relax. A little — or a lot — of urine may leak…
In the past 30 years, the number of aging adults with obesity has doubled. This has had a negative impact on the well-being of seniors. Losing weight in later life is possible, and even a modest weight loss has important health benefits. However, because seniors have special nutritional needs, the right diet is important. SOME…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat causes an average of 658 deaths per year in the United States. You can access their infographic on the topic here. That’s more than many natural disasters in this country! No one is more at risk from heat exhaustion and heat stroke than the…
When contemplating the issues of aging, we often ignore the link between aging and substance use. However, many seniors, struggling with physical and mental changes in later life, are susceptible to the beguiling promises of drugs and alcohol. What’s more, this problem is on the rise. Substance use disorders tend to look a little different…
After more than a year of restricted activities and minimal contact with loved ones, COVID-19 isolation has taken its toll on seniors. Although many American seniors are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the pandemic has left indelible scars on this vulnerable population. Moreover, so many routines — those that seniors once relied upon for social contact —…
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) ranks as the second most common neurodegenerative disease in America (after Alzheimer’s). In all, PD affects about 1% of Americans over age 60, with some 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. About one million Americans live with PD today. Although scientists haven’t discovered the causes of PD, they have identified the brain…
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affect a diverse set of Americans. According to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), young children in non-helmeted bicycle accidents often sustain these types of injuries. Meanwhile, male teens and young adults face their highest risks of TBI from car accidents. Veterans are another group most susceptible to traumatic brain injuries.…