Aging & Independence Archives

Woman using exercise to prevent sarcopenia

Strategies to Prevent Sarcopenia—Better Known as Age-Related Muscle Loss

Apr 14, 2020 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Sarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, is a major problem as people age. It can lead to disability, osteoporosis, falls, hospital stays, and even death.[1] Wondering how to prevent sarcopenia? Taking a few natural steps now can improve muscle health and help maintain autonomy and well-being into … Read More

Skin Maintenance: Cleanse, Moisturize, Protect

Dec 17, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

Skin problems and skin care (or the lack of it) begin at day one and continue for a lifetime. At no point in time is a person immune to a skin condition that could be life-changing or even life-threatening. Evidence-based medicine tells us three things about skin and skin care. … Read More

Maca Root May Help Raise Your Spirits—But Proceed with Caution

Oct 21, 2019 · Cindy Foley · Aging & Independence

You may have heard of maca root, but what exactly is it? Native to the Andes Mountains in Peru, maca root—after harvesting—can be sundried and then processed as a supplement. Also called ‘‘Peruvian ginseng,” maca is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress.. A popular health supplement, … Read More

Reduce Fall Risk with Assistive Devices

Sep 10, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

Canes, walkers, and other assistive devices offer a triple play of better balance, improved mobility, and fewer falls. If a person can get past the idea that assistive devices are just for “old people,” they can re-open a world that might have become smaller as a result of balance and … Read More

Calcium Deposits: 3 Areas of Your Body Where You’re Most at Risk

Jul 12, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

Calcium is an essential component of a person’s body chemistry. Almost all of it is in our bones and teeth, providing both with strength. The rest is present throughout tissues, organs, and cells. Almost every cell in our body uses calcium in some way. But collections of these tiny crystals—calcium … Read More

Incontinence: Relief is Possible with Treatment, Lifestyle Changes

Jul 3, 2019 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Aging & Independence

The International Continence Society defines urinary incontinence as “the involuntary loss of urine that represents a hygienic or social problem to the individual.” It is a symptom, not a disease, and can be caused by many factors. Urinary incontinence increases with age and is often underdiagnosed and underreported. According to … Read More

How to Build Self-Esteem, Self-Confidence, and Self-Worth

May 21, 2019 · Alison Palkhivala · Aging & Independence

We live in a culture that tends to undermine true self-esteem and self-worth. In a world where people are actively comparing with others how many designer clothes they have, what kind of car they drive, or how much weight they have lost, it’s easy to feel inadequate. Messages from the … Read More

Yoga Unites the Body and Mind

May 2, 2019 · JoAnn Milivojevic · Aging & Independence

Yoga strengthens and stretches the body while also using the breath to focus and calm the mind. The practice offers multiple benefits for everyone, especially older adults. Yoga is a wonderful exercise on its own and a complement to other sports and physical activities. Originating in India, yoga has been … Read More

Causes of Dizziness in Older Adults

Apr 2, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

Dizziness is not a specific medical disorder, but a set of symptoms frequently reported in older adults. Dizziness can be caused by many underlying factors that could involve the eyes, ears, thyroid, lungs, bladder, musculoskeletal system, brain, and heart. The emergency room physician who treats a patient with dizziness has … Read More

3 Excellent Natural Therapies for Perimenopause Treatment

Feb 26, 2019 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Perimenopause can last for years and the unpredictable symptoms—ranging from PMS to hot flashes— can greatly diminish a woman’s quality of life. Part one of this two-part article discussed the wide variety of symptoms that can happen in perimenopause. Now, in part two, you will learn about perimenopause treatment using … Read More

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