Aging & Independence Archives

Gentle Miracle: Tai Chi Benefits for Seniors Include Better Balance, Mobility, and Sleep

Dec 26, 2017 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Tai chi is a Chinese phrase that means extreme opposites. In English, the best word to conceptualize its meaning is simply balance. One can achieve tai chi in any action, thought, or profession in life. It is a mindset, not necessarily a martial art. The slow, precise movements of tai … Read More

Incontinence: Pads, Shields, Undergarments, and “Adult Diapers” Offer Choices

Dec 11, 2017 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Aging & Independence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common, embarrassing, and inconvenient problem that has a significant impact on our social, physical, and emotional well-being. In the United States, it affects up to 1 in 2 women and 1 in 6 men. Absorbent products make life bearable by soaking up urine, protecting clothing, … Read More

Ask the Doctor: “Why Do I Bruise So Easily?”

Sep 11, 2017 · Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD · Aging & Independence

Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, Professor and Vice Chair of the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Adult Development at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai in New York, N.Y., addresses reader questions on bruising and pressure sores. Q. I seem to bruise so easily these days—is there anything I can … Read More

What Is Emotional Health? 3 Ways Emotional Wellness Affects Physical Health

Aug 24, 2017 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, taking health-promoting supplements—these are all important factors for maintaining good physical health. But what most of us skip over when trying to make improvements to our physical health is our emotional health. So what is emotional health, and why is it important? Research shows … Read More

What Skin Tags Are—and How to Get Rid of Them

Aug 14, 2017 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

A skin tag is a small, benign, elongated, skin-colored growth that is common in people older than age 60. The condition is also known as an acrochordon. It is made up of a core of fibers and ducts, nerve cells, fat cells, and a covering. Some have a stalk. A … Read More

Healthy Aging: How to Meet the Challenges of Growing Older

Aug 7, 2017 · Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD · Aging & Independence

Getting older can be a real challenge to our sense of self. Our memories become less sharp, we may suffer numerous aches and pains due to long-term wear and tear, and our functional abilities may be affected by illness and disease. All of these developments are downsides that could have … Read More

Nursing Home Know-How

Jun 26, 2017 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

The 85-and-older age group constitutes the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While many of them will remain healthy enough to continue living independently in their own homes, some may not be able to continue managing basic activities … Read More

Caring for Elderly Parents at Home? Consider These Options

Jun 21, 2017 · Helen Boehm Johnson, MD · Aging & Independence

Whether you’re caring for elderly parents at home or planning for yourself, it’s important to make decisions and preparations for end-of-life issues. These measures can help ensure that your parents—or you—receive the proper care while making decisions easier for loved ones. Experts advise us that the best time to begin … Read More

Tips for the Elderly: Falling Down vs. Staying Steady

Apr 25, 2017 · Helen Boehm Johnson, MD · Aging & Independence

Balance is defined as the ability to maintain the body’s center of mass over its base of support. This is achieved by a complex interplay of input to the brain from our eyes, our muscles and joints, and the vestibular organs in our inner ear. Even in the absence of … Read More

Get Your Shingles Vaccine: It’s Just Common Sense

Apr 11, 2017 · JoAnn Milivojevic · Aging & Independence

Your doctor—and countless TV commercials—recommended a shingles vaccine. You didn't get around to it, and now you're feeling a slight itch or tingling sensation. No big deal. But a few days later, a rash of blisters filled with fluid appear and cover the front and back of your body, like … Read More

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