Senior's health and wellness

Feeling that a health concern has been dismissed can make it harder to ask questions or seek follow-up care. The term medical gaslighting is often used when a healthcare interaction leaves someone feeling that their symptoms are being minimized or their experience is not being taken seriously. An unclear diagnosis ...

A hospital stay can leave long stretches between treatment, meals and rest. Offer activities the person already enjoys, and let them decide whether they feel like participating. A short conversation or quiet company may be enough; there is no need to keep someone busy all day. Check with the care ...

Older adults can face a higher risk of complications from some respiratory infections. Knowing which symptoms to report, reviewing recommended vaccines and planning for help when ill can support care throughout the year. Symptoms overlap, so a healthcare professional may need to examine or test someone to identify the cause. ...

The thyroid makes hormones that influence how the body uses energy. Too little or too much thyroid hormone can affect several body systems. In older adults, the signs may be subtle or resemble other conditions, so new changes deserve medical assessment rather than being dismissed as aging. Underactive and overactive ...

Two of the most significant factors in making seniors feel happy and healthy are physical and mental well-being. Seniors need to follow a healthy diet, stay fit, and keep their brains sharp to determine the quality of their lives. But in the wake of focusing on all this, families tend ...

Brain exercises can be one way to spend time learning, solving problems or enjoying a shared activity. The best choice depends on the person’s interests and abilities. Puzzles and games should not be presented as a guaranteed way to prevent dementia, restore memory or treat a mood or sleep problem. ...

Depression, anxiety and memory problems can overlap, but they are not interchangeable diagnoses. Occasional forgetfulness can happen with normal aging. Repeated or worsening difficulties that interfere with everyday life deserve assessment. A person living with dementia can also experience depression or anxiety and should have access to appropriate mental health ...

Small food swaps can make everyday meals more varied and nutritious. Chips, cookies and sugary drinks should not be described as anti-inflammatory foods. Many are high in added sugar, sodium or saturated fat. The useful goal is an eating pattern that fits the person’s health needs, preferences and budget, rather ...

Nutrition and brain health are connected areas of research, but no single food has been shown to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. For older adults, varied meals that fit personal preferences and health needs are a more useful goal than searching for a “superfood.” What does the research show? The Mediterranean and ...

Lifelong learning gives older adults opportunities to explore interests, practice useful skills and meet people. It can be formal or informal: a history lecture, learning a phone feature, reading about gardening or trying a musical instrument. Participation should reflect the person’s own interests, energy and preferences. Start with something useful ...