Aging & Independence

Telemedicine May Be the Silver Lining

Mar 26, 2023 · Orli R. Etingin, M.D. · Aging & Independence

We’re all aware that the COVID pandemic caused drastic changes in our world and our lives. But the COVID cloud may have a silver lining—telemedicine. The restrictions placed on face-to-face contact due to COVID have prompted many changes in the way we deliver health-care. Being able to evaluate and treat … Read More

How Being a Lifelong Learner Reinforces Memory, Sharpens Other Thinking Skills, and Elevates Mood

Mar 24, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

The simple act of learning new and challenging information can often be enough to stimulate the brain to support a stronger memory and sharper thinking skills. Research suggests that lifelong learning contributes to the birth of new neurons and supports healthy brain connectivity. But what does it mean to be … Read More

Is Your Emotional Health Undercutting Your Physical Health, or Vice Versa?

Mar 24, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

When you’re very nervous you might feel knots tighten in your stomach and have trouble taking deep breaths. But then you receive good news, and soon you’re breathing easier, feeling energized, and the knots have disappeared. The relationship between your emotions and your physical health—often referred to as the mind-body … Read More

Healthy Diets Linked to Longer Life

Mar 24, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

People eating more foods from their choice of healthy eating patterns can reduce risk of early death by nearly 20 percent, according to Harvard researchers. Over a 36-year period, eating habits of nearly 120,000 men and women were used to determine whether they adhered to eating foods from four healthy … Read More

Overcome Loneliness and Isolation to Preserve Memory and Forge a Brighter Outlook

Feb 26, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

The social isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a range of health consequences, including increased rates of anxiety and depression, skipped doctor’s appointments and delayed medical tests and procedures, as well as an uptick in self-reported complaints of fuzzy thinking and cognitive impairment. Likewise, many studies in … Read More

Diversify Your Social Encounters for Greater Happiness

Feb 26, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

A Harvard Business School study suggests that, just as it can be financially beneficial to have a varied investment portfolio, you may benefit emotionally from a social portfolio that includes a healthy mix of family members, friends, acquaintances, and the people you encounter running errands. The study, published in the … Read More

Living with Dementia Means Having a Greater Fall Risk

Feb 26, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

For any older adult, falls are a major cause of injury and disability. And for individuals with dementia, fall risks may be especially high. In a study published recently in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, researchers found that older adults with dementia have twice the risk … Read More

Droopy Eyelids Can Interfere with Vision

Feb 26, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Just like the rest of the body, the skin, and muscles of and around the eyelids become lax with age. If your peripheral vision seems compromised and/or your eyelids often feel heavy and tired when reading or doing other activities, you may be a candidate for common surgical interventions that … Read More

Ask the Experts: Morton’s Neuroma; Clock-Drawing Test; Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Feb 26, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Just lately I’ve been experiencing the sensation that something is constantly in my shoe, even though nothing is there. It feels like a piece of grit or a pebble under the sole of my foot. It’s painful and it’s driving me crazy—what could it be? It sounds like you may … Read More

Ask Dr. Etingin: Pulmonary embolism; Plantar fasciitis

Feb 25, 2023 · Orli R. Etingin, M.D. · Aging & Independence

What is a pulmonary embolism, and what causes it? A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that blocks blood flow to an artery in the lungs. The portion of the lung that is blocked is unable to get oxygen; if that lung tissue is destroyed, it is called a … Read More