Aging & Independence Archives

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

Newsbriefs: Statin drugs; nutrition and frailty risk; fall-related deaths increase; dementia

Aug 25, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Statin Use Less Likely in Black and Hispanic Adults Black and Hispanic adults at risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) are less likely to take statin drugs than white adults with the same risk factors, according to a new study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and University … Read More

Reduce Falls at Home with Better Balance and a Safer Space

Aug 13, 2023 · Dawn Bialy · Aging & Independence

As people age, a variety of physical circumstances collude to increase the likelihood of a fall happening at home. Diminished eyesight from cataracts or glaucoma, reduced agility from arthritis or neuropathy, and dizziness from prescription drugs are among a myriad of reasons that falls are the top cause of injuries … Read More

To Vax or Not to Vax, That Is the Question

Aug 13, 2023 · Orli R. Etingin, M.D. · Aging & Independence

Vaccines are lifesaving drugs that prompt our immune systems to fight dangerous infections. They work by administering a small fragment of the infectious agent (that can’t itself infect), which allows our immune systems to make antibodies that recognize that pathogen. Historically, major infections like plague and typhoid have wiped out … Read More

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