The nutrition requirements of older adults change with age. Eating a balanced diet, however, is still an important aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Choosing the right foods is necessary so that the aging body receives ample nutrients, vitamins and minerals. How does aging affect healthy eating? Seniors’ metabolisms slow down as they age, which means the elderly require less…
Alzheimer’s takes a disproportionate toll on women, according to a report released from the Alzheimer’s Association. The report, as noted in USA Today, found that women are far more likely to develop the fatal disease than men: one in six women over 65 will get it during their lifetime, compared with one in 11 men. And, not surprisingly, women are…
As the sun sets, some seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may display marked shifts in mood and behavior. States of irritability, agitation, restlessness and confusion flare up as daylight decreases. Caregivers and medical professionals refer to this sudden change in the elderly as sundown syndrome. The terms “sundowning” and “late-day confusion” are interchangeable. Confusion and agitation are common in seniors living…
A Senior Journal story related the fact that more than half of older Americans – those age 45 through 75 – take an aspirin every day, even though this use is not recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for most people who have not yet had a heart attack or stroke. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine quotes a…
By Richard Ueberfluss Clinical depression in the elderly is common. That doesn’t mean it’s normal. Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older. But only 10% receive treatment for depression. The likely reason is that the elderly often display symptoms of depression differently. Depression in the elderly is also frequently confused with the effects of multiple illnesses…
Staying physically active is critical to a senior’s physical health and emotional well-being. Simply sitting for long durations throughout each day does incredible harm to the human physique—which is designed to benefit from a hefty dose of physical activity daily. In fact, the US Department of Health and Human Services presents specific recommendations, known as the Physical Activity Guidelines, that…
The effects of old age can bring down the quality of life for senior citizens. However, helping your senior loved ones exercise, eat healthy, and stay involved with their families and communities can give them a much better quality of life. Their daily lives can also be improved with the help of a professional home caregiver. Read this blog post…
Aging is a normal part of life. Yet, growing old can carry lingering fears for many seniors. A gradual decline in health, loss of independence and facing the inability to manage one’s activities of daily living are all reasonable qualms experienced by people as they advance into their golden years. Seniors beset with worries like these are likely to refuse…
Flu symptoms are alike, no matter what the age bracket. In seniors, however, a bout of the flu can lead to lengthy hospitals stays and may even be fatal. Older people are significantly more vulnerable to flu-related complications, like pneumonia, dehydration and the worsening of chronic ailments. The increased health risk in seniors is due to this age group’s decreased…
In the old days, seniors who were suffering from arthritis were advised to take it easy. Sit down most of the day so as not to stress your joints, well-meaning doctors would say. Sit in a rocking chair for easy, soothing motion, at the most. Rest your joints. If it hurts, don’t do it. We know now that this was…
