Aging & Independence Archives

Aging in Place, Independent Living, and Long-Term Care Communities

Sep 25, 2023 · customer_service5 · Aging & Independence

The need for everyday care from another person is not an inevitable consequence of aging. However, no matter how healthfully a person has lived, disease or injury can disrupt daily living, and some assistance will be needed. When people reach their 80s, studies have shown that nearly 60% will need … Read More

Regular Exercise Reduces Fall Risk

Sep 25, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in people over age 65. Hip fractures, broken wrists, and traumatic brain injuries are among the more serious injuries that can occur. These can cause a cascade of problems, including long-term disabilities, extensive rehab, and lengthy nursing home stays. Not … Read More

Social Isolation Linked to Lower Brain Volume

Sep 25, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Older individuals who have little social contact with others may be more likely than their peers who have more frequent social interactions to experience a loss of overall brain volume, according to a study published recently in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The parts of … Read More

Epilepsy Risk Rises in Later Life

Sep 25, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

While you may associate epilepsy with childhood, research has suggested that nearly half of new-onset epilepsy occurs in people ages 65 and older. The good news is that once it is diagnosed, epilepsy can be well controlled with medications. Subtle Symptoms Epilepsy is characterized by strong, temporary surges of electrical … Read More

A Sense of Purpose May Be a Key to Prevent Loneliness

Aug 25, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Finding a sense of purpose in life, whether it’s an ambitious goal to make a difference locally or globally or simply a hobby that is personally meaningful, may offer protection against loneliness, according to a study published in the journal Psychology and Aging. Swiss researchers found that, in general, people … Read More

New Briefs September 2023

Aug 25, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

The Best Exercise for Longevity National Institutes of Health guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes (or two-and-a-half hours) of moderate exercise each week. But which exercise is best? A team researchers posed this question to older adults and analyzed data from more than 250,000 participants in a … Read More

Can’t Make It to the Bathroom in Time?

Aug 25, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Whether you leak a little when you cough or laugh, get up several times a night to pee, or must plan every outing knowing where the bathroom is, bladder problems can be quite embarrassing to admit and challenging to manage. However, urinary incontinence (UI) is a very common condition in … Read More

Staying Safe on E-Bikes

Aug 25, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Electronic bikes (e-bikes) are a clean, green, and increasingly popular mode of transportation. You don’t need a license or hearing or vision tests to legally operate one. Insurance isn’t required, either. You can just buy one and off you go. It’s important to realize, however, that riding an e-bike is … Read More

Take Care When Selecting a Nursing Home

Aug 25, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

More than 1 million Americans live in nursing homes, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These homes are a vital resource for older adults with significant care needs who may not be able to continue living independently. Choosing the right home is important, and to that … Read More

When You Need a New Home

Aug 25, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

This month’s issue includes pointers to help you select a nursing home. It’s a good idea to think about this even if you’re fairly spry—after all, any one of us might need nursing home care at some point in the future, due to illness, disability, or cognitive impairment. You can’t … Read More

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