Aging & Independence Archives

Growing Older with HIV

Feb 23, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was once a death sentence, but while there still is no cure for it, drug advances in the past three decades have transformed it into a chronic disease. This means that more older adults have HIV—but despite the successes in treating it, managing the disease often … Read More

Life Plans for Aging Solo

Jan 22, 2021 · JoAnn Milivojevic · Aging & Independence

There’s nothing like Valentine’s Day to make people ponder the pleasures and perils of romantic partners. Intimate companionship can be very healthy and valuable, but whether by choice or other circumstances, many people find themselves solo in their older years. In addition, some people never had children, while others may … Read More

From the Editor: Yes You Can Break That Bad Habit

Jan 22, 2021 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Many of us have a bad habit we want to stop—for example, overeating, indulging in too much alcohol, or smoking. Over time, these habits can become hardwired into our brains so that we engage in them without thinking. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to quit them, though you likely … Read More

Quit Smoking for Better Physical and Cognitive Health

Jan 22, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

According to a recent Lancet report on dementia prevention strategies (see our January issue for more), not smoking is an important factor in maintaining brain health in older age. Still not convinced about quitting your smoking habit? A recent study suggests that even light smoking raises the likelihood of dying … Read More

“Common Cold” is Associated with Less Severe COVID-19 Symptoms

Jan 22, 2021 · Carrie Adkins-Ali · Aging & Independence

While we’re in the thick of cold and flu season, here’s some good news about catching the “common cold” and avoiding the most severe symptoms of COVID-19. If you’ve ever been infected with a “common cold” caused by one of the coronaviruses, you may have less severe symptoms of SARS-CoV-2, … Read More

From the Editor: Last Edition, Thank You for Your Support

Jan 22, 2021 · Carrie Adkins-Ali · Aging & Independence

This is the last edition of Duke Medicine HealthNews. Everyone involved with the publication regrets the decision to cease publication but, like many good things, it has come to an end—in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic. What readers may not realize is that essentially the entire publication is the … Read More

Broaching the Subject of Cognitive Decline in a Way That Is Sensitive and Helpful

Dec 21, 2020 · Jay Roland · Aging & Independence

When a loved one starts having memory lapses and moments of confusion, they may be dismissed as “senior moments” at first. But when such episodes become more frequent and not easily brushed aside, you may wonder what’s the best way to broach the subject of cognitive decline. Psychiatrist Deborah Blacker, … Read More

A Happier, More Fulfilling Retirement Often Calls for Resilience and Flexibility

Dec 21, 2020 · Jay Roland · Aging & Independence

If 2021 is the year you’re going to retire, or if you’ve already put your career in the rear-view mirror, it may be helpful to approach this time with a mindset that allows for unexpected joys and discoveries, as well as left turns that don’t match your vision of relaxed, … Read More

Ask the Experts: Fall Risk “Clues”; Carotid Endarterectomy; Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil

Dec 21, 2020 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Q: My mother will soon be moving in with me so that she will have some company as she ages. I’m keen to ensure that she doesn’t sustain a fall over the next few years, and have taken steps to “fall-proof” my home, but are there any “clues” my mother … Read More

From the Editor: Cultivate Resilience to Help You Cope with Challenges

Dec 21, 2020 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Most of us face challenges as we age. Some chronic conditions are more likely to develop in older adults, and we also are more likely to experience personal loss—as has been underlined by the covid-19 pandemic. Retirement may cause us to feel like we are no longer contributing to society. … Read More

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