Aging & Elderly Health

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Scientists Changing Definition of Old Age
Redefining Old Age

Scientists Changing Definition of Old Age
Lindsay Lyon

Researchers are learning that the aging process -- not only how long we live but how well -- is remarkably elastic, and that it can be manipulated. The lives of lab animals have been dramatically stretched in several ways -- by tweaking their genes, feeding them drugs, changing their diets -- that seem to make them age more slowly while prolonging good health.

The High Cost of Growing Older
Emily Brandon

No doubt, healthcare will be one of your biggest expenses in retirement. Qualifying for Medicare coverage at age 65 will quell some cost and coverage worries. But although Medicare is far more affordable than private health insurance coverage for seniors, the government health insurance program still leaves retirees with significant out-of-pocket costs.

Oh, My Aching Knees!
Live Right Live Well

Will taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplements help my aching knees?

Youthful Skin Forever
Elizabeth Parker - Live Right Live Well

Cleopatra was known for soaking her skin in a rose petal and milk bath to keep it soft. The ancient Greeks used honey and the Romans olive oil as natural skin moisturizers. So what's the real deal? Here, eight skin care essentials from the experts to increase your chances of having great-looking skin

Hair Loss: What Really Works
Wendy Korn Hepp - Live Right Live Well

Seeing more scalp lately? Join the club. Over 80 million Americans (60 percent men, 40 percent women) are losing their hair, and hair loss is triggered by age, hormones and genetics. And yet there is a multibillion-dollar-a-year industry promoting hair growth with promises that don't work. Here's what does

Modern Car Features for the Aging Driver
Rachel L. Sheedy

Shopping for a new car? Sure, that snazzy two-seater convertible looks like fun. But if you plan to keep the car for a while, look for design features that can help make driving safer and easier as you age. Here's a look at auto design features geared for older and elderly drivers

The Aging Mouth - And How to Keep it Younger
Harvard Health Letters

Teeth, gums, and the rest of your oral cavity need extra care and attention if you want them to stay healthy in your later years. Aging isn't always pretty, and your mouth is no exception

Medicare picks up the tab for home health care and skilled nursing only under limited circumstances
Home Care

There's No Place Like Home: Elderly Qualify for Wide Range of Services
Jane Bennett Clark

However independent they hope to be, most adults who grow old at home eventually need help with housekeeping and transportation -- and sometimes with daily activities, such as dressing and bathing

The Dawning of a Ripe Old Age
Longevity Researchers

If there were a pill that could add two decades to your life, would you swallow it? Not if you're like most people scientist Matt Kaeberlein asks -- they see it as an invitation to purgatory. But when the University of Washington longevity researcher dangles the prospect that those extra years would be spent spry and hale, not enfeebled and ill, they listen up.

Aging - Sailing Past 90 With Lots Left to Do
Katherine Hobson

Age is often seen as an enemy to be battled or outwitted -- never mind that it's impossible to avoid and that the alternative to growing older is, well, dying younger. However, while there is no guarantee that following the example set by these folks when you're young or middle-aged will help you live a long and rich life, doing so will certainly make the journey more enjoyable

Beware: Your Job May Be Killing You
Katherine Hobson

In an attempt to live longer, you may have given up trans fats or learned to love the elliptical trainer. But there's evidence that another factor may be just as important: your job. Whether or not you're employed, how secure you are in your job, how much you enjoy your work -- all may influence your health and longevity

One Family's Saga of Alzheimer's Care
Kerry Hannon

We lost him a little at a time. In 2000, my dad, then 80, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and it began: He moved off ever so slowly, calling back at us as he went, trying to keep us in his sight

Top Cosmetic Treatments for Aging Skin
January W. Payne

No one likes looking older...which is why we spend billions of dollars every year on over-the-counter products, prescription creams and fillers, and, most drastically, cosmetic surgery. Do any of these actually work to reduce the signs of aging? In many cases, yes -- at least temporarily. Here's a quick guide to some of the most popular treatments and procedures

Alzheimer's Disease Is Sharply Rising, But You Can Lower Your Odds
Sarah Baldauf

Nations around the globe are staring down a rising tide of people who will grapple with the ravages of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. According to Alzheimer's Disease International, some 35.6 million people worldwide will have a form of dementia in 2010. That number is expected to nearly double every 20 years. Research is mounting that diet, exercise, and social and mental engagement play a protective role.

Staying Attuned to Blood Pressure
Harvard Health Letters

Maybe your blood pressure has been normal for as long as you can remember, but that doesn't mean you should let it slip beneath your health radar. The older we get, the greater our chances of developing high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). Even if you don't have high blood pressure by age 55, your chances of developing it eventually are 90 percent.

What Causes Ice-Cream Headache
Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D.

Ice-cream headache, also known as "brain freeze" or cold-stimulus headache, is a headache some people get when they consume a cold food or beverage quickly. The pain is usually in the forehead or both temples, and it usually lasts less than five minutes. The cause is ...

Vitamin D Deficiency Common But Easily Treated With Supplements
Philip Hagen, M.D., Preventive Medicine, Mayo Clinic

It's well established that vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and helps keep bones strong. There's also evidence that vitamin D helps reduce the risk of common cancers, muscle and joint pain and perhaps even multiple sclerosis. For some people, it's difficult to get proper amounts of vitamin D from the usual sources, which are diet and sunshine. Dr. Philip Hagen of the Mayo Clinic provides suggestions in this article to compensate for Vitamin D defiency.

Osteoporosis - Bone Up On Bone Health
by Randy Boyer and Andrea Donsky

Osteoporosis is a silent condition in which bones become less dense and more likely to fracture. It's a major health threat for an estimated 10 million Americans with the disease and 34 million Americans with low bone mass. Often called a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences, bone density decreases partly because hormone levels (such as estrogen and testosterone) decrease as people age.

8 Facts to Know About Palliative Care: Misconceptions abound
Sarah Baldauf

The term "palliative care" often conjures tones of a death knell, but the reality of what such services provide -- and when they can and should be recruited -- might be surprising. While death might ultimately become a part of the conversation, recruiting such care is not just about dying.

Can You Avoid Arthritis Knee Pain by Building Thigh Muscles
Deborah Kotz

Millions of older women suffer the pain and stiffness of arthritis, especially in their knee joints, which can severely curtail everyday activities like climbing stairs or getting out of a car. It turns out there may be a way to protect our knees and avoid the discomforts of aging: strong thigh muscles.

Long-Distance Caregiver: Careful Planning Key to Protecting Aging Parents
Christopher J. Gearon

Adult children often first realize that Mom or Dad needs help when there's a sudden hospitalization or a frantic call from an overwhelmed parent. In many instances, a child will discover evidence of a parent's deterioration during a visit. If you're too far away to monitor a parent, you have a couple of options ...

Finding Health Coverage Before Medicare: A Primer
Susan B. Garland

It's bad enough that your retirement savings are evaporating. But if you lost your job, retired early, or are turning to self-employment, you'll need to budget for health coverage. And the tab could be hefty. However, You do have options if you need to find insurance on your own ...

Mayo Clinic: Hip Pain May be Relieved by Treatments Other Than Surgery
Edward Laskowski, M.D.

Hip pain can be a sign of many medical conditions. Some disorders, such as severe arthritis could, in time, require a hip replacement. But others, such as bursitis, can be managed with much less invasive treatment options. Exercise may help in some situations, but not all. Before you pursue treatment for hip pain

Calorie-Restricted Diets and Other Ways to Avoid Aging
Deborah Kotz

University of Wisconsin researchers found that feeding rhesus monkeys 30 percent fewer calories over a 20-year period seemed to slow down the aging process, protecting them from age-related illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Animals fed less "appear to be biologically younger than the normally fed animals," the study authors wrote.

Alzheimer's Caregiving: Day-to-Day Challenges

Alzheimer's Caregiving: Day-to-day Challenges
Harvard Health Watch

Bath time, mealtime, and bedtime are among the hardest parts of the day. The Alzheimer's disease has a profound emotional impact on the family members who must cope with a loved one's irrevocable decline.

Research Finds that Many Older People Can't Get Up After a Fall
Harvard Health Letters

About 35 percent of people over age 65 fall in their homes at least once each year. That figure increases to 50 percent for those ages 75 and over. Most of the resulting injuries are minor, but falls can also cause major lacerations, fractures, head trauma, and other injuries that may lead to hospitalization, disability, nursing home care, and premature death.

Falls in Older Individuals May Be Preventable
Eric Tangalos, M.D. - Mayo Clinic Medical Edge

With a little effort and some medical problem solving, many falls might be preventable. The Rand Corporation, a nonprofit research group, conducted a large study called Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE). One focus of the study was falls and how to prevent them. The research wasn't a single study, but an analysis of hundreds of previously published studies. Some of the key findings from ACOVE and updates that have been published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society include ...

A New Model for Aging in Place
Howard Gleckman

As all of us age, we face a difficult choice: Should I stay in my home, or move to a senior community or perhaps an assisted-living facility? Now, a growing number of neighborhood networks are providing the resources to help the elderly remain independent for as long as possible.

Women's Chromosomes May Affect Blood Pressure
Title: Women's Chromosomes May Affect Blood Pressure
Category: Health News
Created: 3/15/2010 4:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/16/2010

Boosting Vitamin D Can Do a Heart Good
Title: Boosting Vitamin D Can Do a Heart Good
Category: Health News
Created: 3/15/2010 4:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/16/2010

Marathoners Face Greater Risk of Artery Problems
Title: Marathoners Face Greater Risk of Artery Problems
Category: Health News
Created: 3/13/2010 2:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/15/2010

More Evidence That Swings in Blood Pressure Raise Stroke Risk
Title: More Evidence That Swings in Blood Pressure Raise Stroke Risk
Category: Health News
Created: 3/14/2010 6:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/15/2010

Occasional High Blood Pressure Risky, Too?
Title: Occasional High Blood Pressure Risky, Too?
Category: Health News
Created: 3/12/2010 11:16:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/12/2010 11:16:29 AM

Cholesterol
Title: Cholesterol
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 12/31/1997
Last Editorial Review: 3/12/2010

Alzheimer's 'Epidemic' Hitting Minorities Hardest
Title: Alzheimer's 'Epidemic' Hitting Minorities Hardest
Category: Health News
Created: 3/9/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/10/2010

Kidney Donors Go On to Lead Long, Healthy Lives
Title: Kidney Donors Go On to Lead Long, Healthy Lives
Category: Health News
Created: 3/9/2010 4:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/10/2010

DASH Diet Fuels the Brain
Title: DASH Diet Fuels the Brain
Category: Health News
Created: 3/9/2010 9:59:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/9/2010 9:59:27 AM

Stroke Risk Runs in the Family
Title: Stroke Risk Runs in the Family
Category: Health News
Created: 3/8/2010 4:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/9/2010

Years of Exposure to Traffic Pollution Raises Blood Pressure
Title: Years of Exposure to Traffic Pollution Raises Blood Pressure
Category: Health News
Created: 3/4/2010 8:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/5/2010

U.S. Has Racial Gap in Stroke Rate
Title: U.S. Has Racial Gap in Stroke Rate
Category: Health News
Created: 3/2/2010 10:19:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2010 10:19:48 AM

MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General
MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General

Driving With Early Alzheimer's May Be Ill-Advised
Title: Driving With Early Alzheimer's May Be Ill-Advised
Category: Health News
Created: 3/15/2010 12:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/16/2010

Driving With Early Alzheimer's May Be Ill-Advised
Title: Driving With Early Alzheimer's May Be Ill-Advised
Category: Health News
Created: 3/11/2010 4:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/12/2010

Alzheimer's 'Epidemic' Hitting Minorities Hardest
Title: Alzheimer's 'Epidemic' Hitting Minorities Hardest
Category: Health News
Created: 3/9/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/10/2010

Prion Disease in Mice May Help Advance Alzheimer's Research
Title: Prion Disease in Mice May Help Advance Alzheimer's Research
Category: Health News
Created: 3/5/2010 2:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/8/2010

A Purposeful Life May Stave Off Alzheimer's
Title: A Purposeful Life May Stave Off Alzheimer's
Category: Health News
Created: 3/2/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/3/2010

Sea Squirt Helps Researchers Test New Alzheimer's Drug
Title: Sea Squirt Helps Researchers Test New Alzheimer's Drug
Category: Health News
Created: 3/2/2010 12:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/3/2010

Scans Might Monitor Success of Alzheimer's Drugs
Title: Scans Might Monitor Success of Alzheimer's Drugs
Category: Health News
Created: 3/1/2010 12:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2010

Single Men Have Higher Risk of Stroke
Title: Single Men Have Higher Risk of Stroke
Category: Health News
Created: 2/25/2010 11:34:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 2/25/2010 11:34:35 AM

Hospital Stays Raise Dementia Risk
Title: Hospital Stays Raise Dementia Risk
Category: Health News
Created: 2/24/2010 8:21:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 2/24/2010 8:21:33 AM

When Seniors Tutor Kids, They Sharpen Their Own Minds As Well
Title: When Seniors Tutor Kids, They Sharpen Their Own Minds As Well
Category: Health News
Created: 2/19/2010 4:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 2/22/2010

Ibuprofen May Help Stave Off Parkinson's
Title: Ibuprofen May Help Stave Off Parkinson's
Category: Health News
Created: 2/17/2010 4:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 2/18/2010

Health Tip: Signs That a Loved One May Have Dementia
Title: Health Tip: Signs That a Loved One May Have Dementia
Category: Health News
Created: 2/11/2010 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 2/11/2010

MedicineNet Alzheimer's General
MedicineNet Alzheimer's General

High-Impact Sports Might Not Harm Knee Replacements
Title: High-Impact Sports Might Not Harm Knee Replacements
Category: Health News
Created: 3/12/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/15/2010

Health Tip: IBD May Contribute to Other Health Problems
Title: Health Tip: IBD May Contribute to Other Health Problems
Category: Health News
Created: 3/11/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/12/2010

New Knee May Improve Balance
Title: New Knee May Improve Balance
Category: Health News
Created: 3/11/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/12/2010

Long-Term Use of Osteoporosis Drugs Linked to Fractures
Title: Long-Term Use of Osteoporosis Drugs Linked to Fractures
Category: Health News
Created: 3/11/2010 2:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/12/2010

Jump in Kids' Sports Injuries Due to Overuse
Title: Jump in Kids' Sports Injuries Due to Overuse
Category: Health News
Created: 3/10/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/11/2010

Youth Baseball Injuries Becoming More Common
Title: Youth Baseball Injuries Becoming More Common
Category: Health News
Created: 3/10/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/11/2010

High Natural Estrogen Might Raise Women's Stroke Risk
Title: High Natural Estrogen Might Raise Women's Stroke Risk
Category: Health News
Created: 3/10/2010 12:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/11/2010

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Title: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 2/15/2000 10:55:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/10/2010

Psychotherapy Can Help People With Lupus Cope
Title: Psychotherapy Can Help People With Lupus Cope
Category: Health News
Created: 3/9/2010 6:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/10/2010

Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel Fails
Title: Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel Fails
Category: Health News
Created: 3/9/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/9/2010 10:10:12 AM

Electromagnetic Pulses May Stem Arthritic Knee Pain
Title: Electromagnetic Pulses May Stem Arthritic Knee Pain
Category: Health News
Created: 3/6/2010 12:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/8/2010

Salmonella Scare Prompts Wide Product Recall
Title: Salmonella Scare Prompts Wide Product Recall
Category: Health News
Created: 3/4/2010 8:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/5/2010

MedicineNet Arthritis General
MedicineNet Arthritis General

National Poison Prevention Week
Title: National Poison Prevention Week
Category: Doctor's Views
Created: 2/3/2000 1:01:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/17/2010

A New Way to Zap Away Uterine Fibroids
Title: A New Way to Zap Away Uterine Fibroids
Category: Health News
Created: 3/16/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/17/2010

Good and Bad Health Habits in U.S.
Title: Good and Bad Health Habits in U.S.
Category: Health News
Created: 3/16/2010 4:11:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/17/2010

Treating Non-motor Symptoms of Parkinson's
Title: Treating Non-motor Symptoms of Parkinson's
Category: Health News
Created: 3/16/2010 10:44:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/16/2010 10:44:25 AM

Retail Spices Recalled in Salmonella Scare
Title: Retail Spices Recalled in Salmonella Scare
Category: Health News
Created: 3/12/2010 11:08:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/12/2010 11:08:28 AM

Salmonella Risk Prompts Wider Food Recall
Title: Salmonella Risk Prompts Wider Food Recall
Category: Health News
Created: 3/11/2010 10:09:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/11/2010 10:09:13 AM

Alternative to Statins Shows Promise
Title: Alternative to Statins Shows Promise
Category: Health News
Created: 3/10/2010 6:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/11/2010

Potty Training
Title: Potty Training
Category: Health and Living
Created: 3/10/2010 10:12:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/10/2010 10:12:51 AM

Swine Flu
Title: Swine Flu
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 4/21/2009
Last Editorial Review: 3/8/2010

Gene Sequencing Yields Picture of Human Gut
Title: Gene Sequencing Yields Picture of Human Gut
Category: Health News
Created: 3/4/2010 2:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/5/2010

Salmonella Scare Prompts Wide Product Recall
Title: Salmonella Scare Prompts Wide Product Recall
Category: Health News
Created: 3/4/2010 8:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/5/2010

MedicineNet Digestion General
MedicineNet Digestion General