Aging & Independence

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Care for the Caregivers: Managing the Stress of Caring for Someone with Cognitive Decline

Mar 24, 2025 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Whether it’s for a parent, spouse, or someone else in your life experiencing cognitive decline, the job of a caregiver can be deeply rewarding, but emotionally and physically exhausting, too. Caregivers—whether family members, friends, or professionals—take on responsibilities that can be overwhelming, leading to heightened stress, burnout, and even health … Read More

Here Comes the Heat…

Mar 24, 2025 · Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD · Aging & Independence

Summer is nearly upon us, and with that in mind we’re taking the opportunity to remind you again that too much sun raises the risk of skin cancer. See our p4 article on melanoma for vital information on how to detect this potentially lethal disease and tips on protecting your … Read More

Navigating Depression Later in Life

Feb 25, 2025 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Imagine a dear friend who used to be the life of every gathering—laughing, smiling, and always having a kind word for others. Lately, you’ve noticed she’s withdrawn, rarely attends social events, and when you visit, her usually tidy home is unkept. She brushes off your concerns, saying she’s “just tired.” … Read More

Some Sedentary Activities Are Better for the Brain Than Others, but You Still Need to Move

Feb 25, 2025 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Health experts agree that too much sedentary time isn’t good for your memory and brain function overall. But some downtime is unavoidable. You have to put your feet up once in a while, right? So how can you make the most of your downtime—specifically your sitting down time? A recent … Read More

Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy

Feb 25, 2025 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), while common in older adults, doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of aging. Take charge of your kidney health by learning what your kidneys need to stay healthy and understanding the power you have to protect these vital organs. One common misconception about CKD is … Read More

unexplained weight loss

Weight Checks

Feb 25, 2025 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Q: Why do I have to always have my weight checked at the doctor’s office? I really don’t like to do that every time. A: As we age, our relationship with the scale can become complicated, yet as medical professionals, we routinely weigh older patients for several vital reasons. Weight … Read More

Research Round Up March 2025

Feb 25, 2025 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

• Coffee Linked with Gut Health. Coffee can stimulate growth of a specific bacteria, linking a specific food with a specific bacteria, indicating a connection between the food we eat and the microbes in our gut, according to researchers. The study used data from dietary questionnaires of nearly 23,000 people … Read More

Shingles Shot Rounds Out a Comprehensive Health-Care Routine

Jan 24, 2025 · Rochelle Nataloni · Aging & Independence

For most women, managing their health means getting a yearly checkup, keeping up with recommended screenings, and getting an annual flu shot and COVID booster. Some also get a pneumonia vaccine, and perhaps a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which provides protection against a common virus that causes mild, cold-like … Read More

Show Your Feet the Attention They Deserve This Season

Jan 24, 2025 · Rochelle Nataloni · Aging & Independence

Winter can be tough on your feet. The cold, dry air can strip your skin of moisture, leaving your feet vulnerable to roughness, cracking, and even infections if cuts or blisters go unnoticed. Reduced outdoor activity and poor circulation during these chilly months only add to the challenges. Foot care … Read More

Thyroid Disease

Jan 24, 2025 · Rochelle Nataloni · Aging & Independence

Q: What’s the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism? How will I know if I have one of these conditions? A: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are common thyroid conditions that affect how your body uses energy. Both are linked to the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ in your neck that produces … Read More