October 5, 2020 —
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 study on pain “catastrophizing.” They defined “catastrophizing” as “feeling an exaggerated helplessness or hopelessness” about... Read More
September 28, 2020 —
Each year during National Preparedness Month, we are reminded of steps for keeping safe during natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and extreme heat—along with power outages, fires, explosions, and other manmade emergencies. In previous years, few of us paid much attention to another item that also appears on the list of... Read More
September 15, 2020 —
September 22, 2020, is Falls Prevention Awareness Day. This event is held each year to call attention to the serious issue of falls among our senior population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 25% of all older adults fall each year, and many of these falls cause hip fractures, brain injuries,... Read More
August 31, 2020 —
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 into the sunset or sitting on a park bench—we often now see photos of seniors... Read More
August 24, 2020 —
Every so often, we read a poignant news story about a couple, married for years, who pass away only a few days apart. “His wife died from a stroke, and he died of a broken heart,” the story might go. Though that is just a saying, there actually is something to it, report cardiologists. According... Read More
August 11, 2020 —
Protecting older adults Medication management can be challenging, and as older adults are quarantining at this time, many lack the support they usually have to ensure they’re taking their prescription drugs at the right time, in the right way. Here are some tips: Have a system to help remember when to take medications. This could... Read More
August 4, 2020 —
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 mind? In June 2020, a team of experts from the UK studied a group of... Read More
July 28, 2020 —
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 raise a person’s risk of being infected with the coronavirus, people with diabetes are more... Read More
July 21, 2020 —
Think back a year. What was your usual exercise routine? A twice-a-week workout at the gym? Hopping the bus to a nearby park? A walk with a big group of friends? Your exercise class at the senior center? Sessions with a personal trainer or physical therapist at your senior living community? Most older adults are... Read More
July 7, 2020 —
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 down may be shuttered. Seniors are at higher risk of heat-related illness, and should receive... Read More
