More than 5.3 million Americans live with brain injury-related disabilities. For people 65 years and older, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant problem, sending more than 80,000 seniors to the emergency room every year. Falls and vehicle crashes are the leading causes but, regardless of the cause, age negatively affects outcomes and recovery from... Read More
The end of February marks the end of National Senior Independence month, but not the end of helping older loved ones maintain their autonomy. By 2050 the number of U.S. adults will reach 88.5 million; most will want to remain in their homes, living life on their terms. We can all help make that possibility... Read More
Winter solstice is finally past, which means days will grow longer, chasing the darkness away. But the solstice also brought us winter, and reports predict ongoing arctic blasts and life-threatening cold conditions. Cold weather is especially dangerous for older adults, who are more vulnerable to hypothermia, frostbite, and falls due to snow and ice. Here... Read More
September 18–24 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Week. Every year the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person’s right to age well, sponsors this national health campaign with the goal of increasing awareness around preventing falls and injuries. Six out of 10 falls happen at home; many are due to hazardous... Read More
May is 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 more women than men develop the disease, but men are not immune. This misconception... Read More
The holidays are here, and while that means more opportunities for spreading cheer, there is also more opportunity for spreading not just COVID-19, but also flu and other respiratory viruses. As to the flu, health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are particularly concerned about people who are already at higher... Read More
Are you feeling sleepy right now? There’s a decent chance you are, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Americans feel sleepy on average three times a week, with 62% trying to “shake it off” as their primary response, says the NSF. Those who feel sleepy even more often – five to seven days a... Read More
Here’s a good New Year’s resolution: Protect your eyesight by getting a dilated eye exam. Glaucoma Awareness Month reminds us that glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. Many people don’t know that glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages. The only way to find out if you... Read More
September is Healthy Aging Month, which focuses on ways that people can stay healthy as they age. An important aspect of aging well is communicating well with your doctor. Talking about your health means sharing information about how you feel not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally. Here are a few tips for your... Read More
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 surprising that many seniors who are living with health challenges are also dealing with depression,... Read More