Health Blog

Independence is important to all of us as we get older. Many people resist even talking about getting in-home support or moving to an assisted living or long-term care community until they face a serious illness or injury or death of a spouse or partner. But putting off this discussion means that arrangements must be... Read More

There’s a technology solution for pretty much everything these days. You can use an app to unlock your front door, even if you’re far from home. Smart thermostats can adjust the temperature throughout the day to help you save energy. Even your car may have an onboard system that lets you call for help if... Read More

Throughout your adult life, you probably received most of your healthcare from a primary care doctor. As you reach your mid- to late-60s however, it may be time to consider choosing a new doctor who focuses on treating older adults or a geriatrician. While one in four adults is living with multiple chronic health problems... Read More

There may come a day when your parents want or need your help in managing their health and making medical decisions. To make sure you’re prepared for the situation, it’s helpful to start a conversation with your parents before they’re facing a pressing need or crisis so you can have all the necessary documents in... Read More

If you’re one of the 30 million people in the U.S. living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there are several strategies that can help you lower your risk of experiencing a disease-related flare-up or sudden worsening of your symptoms. The symptoms of a flare-up, which is also known as an exacerbation, include: increased difficulty... Read More

If you or a loved one has been hospitalized with a serious illness or injury or undergone major surgery, your next step may be to transfer to a short-term rehabilitation facility to continue your recovery. Also known as skilled nursing facilities, a rehabilitation facility can provide you with the additional, personalized care you need to... Read More

You’re probably familiar with the most common Alzheimer’s symptoms that may point to the early stages of the disease and some other types of dementia: Memory loss, especially being unable to remember newly learned information and asking the same questions over and over Trouble planning or problem-solving Problems completing familiar tasks such as driving to... Read More

Drug interactions and adverse reactions send nearly 700,000 people to emergency rooms and cause 100,000 people to be hospitalized each year, according to data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. The danger of drug interactions and adverse reactions increases a great deal as you age for several different reasons: Older people are more likely... Read More

As you age, your risk of becoming disabled because of a chronic health problem or an injury like a fall can increase. But studies have found that there are four proactive steps you can take at any age that can help decrease your risk of disability and improve your overall health, wellbeing, and longevity. Step... Read More

Being hospitalized can have a significant, ongoing impact on the health of older patients. Even when the treatment of the illness or injury that brought them to the hospital is successful, many older patients leave the hospital physically weaker, with cognitive issues like confusion, or with psychological issues like depression and anxiety that can have... Read More