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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and kills more than 697,000 people each year. Seniors aged 65 and older are more likely to develop heart disease than younger people. There are many risk factors. Some can be controlled and some cannot. The good news is that seniors can make several … Continued

Osteoporosis becomes a common problem as people age. It’s a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease. The bones become thin, weak, and fragile. They can easily fracture. Posture may become stooped, and mobility can be negatively impacted. While osteoporosis affects both men and women, it is more prevalent in … Continued

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, an excellent time to examine how this chronic, progressive eye disease can affect seniors. The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age and will affect approximately one in twenty adults aged 65 and older. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma … Continued

Surgical procedures can pose more risks for seniors than for other age groups.  They are at risk for developing age-related problems from anesthesia and have an increased risk for other complications.  Those who have multiple chronic medical conditions may experience a longer recovery period and require special monitoring during their recovery.  Seniors may also become … Continued

Every fall, doctors recommend their patients receive a flu shot.  This advice becomes more important as people age.  September and October may be optimal times to get a flu shot, before there is a large amount of community spread of this respiratory infection.  However, missing that early window doesn’t mean it’s too late for seniors … Continued

Dementia is a chronic condition that affects memory, thinking, language, comprehension, judgment, and social abilities. It’s estimated that 7 million people in the U.S. age 65 or older suffer from dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form. The deterioration in cognitive function eventually becomes severe enough to impair daily life. Unfortunately, there is … Continued

As people age, they often develop conditions that require them to take medications.  Seniors use more medication than other age groups including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. However, changes in the body as we age can affect how medications are absorbed into the bloodstream and how the body responds to them. Medications should be carefully … Continued

Osteoarthritis often becomes a health issue as people age. It affects the joints, breaking down the cartilage, causing connective tissue to deteriorate, and damaging the bone.  Joints that are most often affected are the hips, knees, and hands. People can also develop arthritis in parts of their spine. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, and … Continued

Aging adults often experience sleep difficulties. Physical and mental conditions can interfere with sleep, as can medications commonly taken by seniors. Lack of sleep can impact quality of life and raises the risk of accidents and falls in older adults. Long-term effects of sleep deprivation include inability to concentrate, mood changes, memory problems, and a … Continued