Aging & Independence Archives

The Latest in Hearing Aid Technology

Aug 24, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Technological advancements have vastly improved hearing aids. Sound processing is more like natural hearing, the aids are more comfortable, and there are advanced features, such as ear-to-ear coordination and Bluetooth. Ear-to-ear means that the hearing aids “talk” to each other for better spatial awareness. It’s increasingly standard in newer hearing … Read More

Ask the Experts: Fall Risk Assessment; Ventricular Heart Arrhythmias;Plant-Based Burgers

Aug 24, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

My doctor has recommended I see her for a fall risk assessment. Can you tell me what is involved in these assessments? The American Geriatrics Society recommends that all people age 65 years and older have a fall risk assessment every year. Research suggests that these assessments can significantly reduce … Read More

What You Should Know About the New Alzheimer’s Disease Medication

Aug 5, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug aducanumab (Aduhelm) for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in June, the news was greeted with a considerable mix of responses—from celebratory optimism for the first new Alzheimer’s drug in nearly 20 years to frustration and vocal disagreement with the … Read More

Ask the Experts: Moving to Memory Care; Heart Transplantation in Seniors; Bloating from Fiber

Jul 26, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

I’ve been caring for my elderly mother for a couple of years, but her dementia is getting worse. I have my own health problems, and am beginning to feel very isolated because I need to spend most of my time at home with her. With these factors in mind, I … Read More

Skin Problems Are Common in Older Adults

Jul 26, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Even if you never had skin problems in your youth, it’s common to suffer from rashes in your later years—as is underlined by a 2020 study (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, November issue) suggesting that the majority of participants had at least one skin disease that required treatment or … Read More

Newsbriefs: Fall Risk; Cancer Recurrence; Mediterranean Diet; CPAP and Dementia Risk

Jul 26, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Most Older Americans Take Drugs That Increase Fall Risk A recent study suggests that the majority of U.S. adults age 65 and older take at least one prescription drug that is associated with an increased risk of falls. The study (Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety, Feb. 3, 2021) compared federal data … Read More

Frontline: Risk of dementia; Risk of falls: Decrease gut inflammation

Jun 23, 2021 · Dawn Bialy · Aging & Independence

Getting Enough Sleep May Cut Your Risk of Dementia People in their 50s and 60s who reported getting six hours or less of sleep each night are at higher risk of developing dementia later in life, according to research published in Nature Communications, April 20, 2021. The researchers collected data … Read More

Ask the Experts: Covid Vaccine and Dermal Fillers; Cardiac vs. Respiratory Arrest; Dried Fruit Benefits

Jun 23, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Is it true that people who’ve had dermal fillers should avoid covid-19 vaccines? I had dermal fillers recently, and haven’t had my covid shot because I’ve seen reports about side effects. Dermal fillers consist of injectable gels that can be used to fill lines and add contour to the face—examples … Read More

Eat to Beat Inflammation

Jun 23, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

A study published in the November 2020 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology highlights the impact pro-inflammatory foods can have on your health. The 32- year study included more than 210,000 people who were free of cardiovascular disease at the start of follow-up. The analysis showed … Read More

You Can Live Well with a Disability

Jun 23, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Disability is by no means inevitable as you age—however, older adults are at greater risk of disability than their younger peers. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that about 34 percent of people age 65 and older have at least one disability, with mobility and hearing … Read More

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