Aging & Independence Archives

Newsbriefs: Breast cancer; lower A-fib risk; weekend warriors; hearing loss and dementia

Dec 18, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Black Women More Likely to Die from Breast Cancer A recent study confirms racial disparities in breast cancer survival. For the study, researchers from Mass General Brigham looked at 228,885 women with breast cancer, 34,262 of whom were Black. The analysis (Journal of Clinical Oncology, Sept. 17, 2024) showed that … Read More

Routine Dental Visits Help Prevent Systemic Diseases

Nov 25, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Aging & Independence

Maintaining good oral hygiene is not just about preserving a bright smile— it’s vital for overall well-being. Oral care goes beyond preventing cavities and gum disease; it plays a key role in protecting against health issues that become more prevalent as women age. For instance, poor oral health has been … Read More

Engaging with Your Grandchildren

Nov 25, 2024 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Interacting with grandchildren offers a unique opportunity for grandparents to connect, stay active, and enjoy the vibrant energy of youth. But it goes beyond simply spending time together. These interactions can boost both physical and mental health and foster a deeper bond between grandparents and grandchildren. “Grandparents can help provide … Read More

Random bruising

Nov 25, 2024 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Q: I keep finding bruises on my body, but I don’t recall bumping into anything. What might be causing this? A:Random bruising is common among older adults and often occurs without a clear cause. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that … Read More

History of Dizzy Spells Associated with Greater Risk of Falling

Nov 25, 2024 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Older adults who experience dizziness may have a significantly greater risk of falling, according to research published recently in the journal Age and Ageing. After reviewing and analyzing 29 peer-reviewed studies involving about 103,000 participants, researchers found that older adults who have episodes of dizziness were 60 percent more likely … Read More

Coughing and Wheezing May Signal Asthma

Nov 25, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Most people perceive asthma as a childhood disease, but the condition can recur in older adults after many years of remission. It also can occur for the first time in older age. Known as late-onset asthma, symptoms that arise in people ages 65 and older can be misdiagnosed, particularly if … Read More

Celebrate Safely This Season

Nov 25, 2024 · Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD · Aging & Independence

It’s that time of the year when friends and families convene to celebrate the season, reminisce over times gone by, and share their hopes for the future. Many of us also plan to raise a glass to welcome in the New Year, and some of us may well intend raising … Read More

Sensory Impairments Impact Mental Well-Being

Nov 25, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

You probably know that you will experience physical changes as you get older. However, most people also notice that their senses dull with age. These changes can be inconvenient, but a recent study from the University of Chicago Medicine (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, September) suggests that they also … Read More

Frontline: Shingles; Liver Cancer; Hormone Replacement Therapy

Oct 29, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Aging & Independence

Shingles Is Associated with Higher Risk of Cognitive Decline in Women Having a bout of shingles is associated with a 20 percent higher risk of subjective cognitive decline symptoms such as long-term confusion and memory loss, according to a study published in the August issue of Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy. … Read More

Don’t Mistake Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms for Normal Signs of Aging

Oct 29, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Aging & Independence

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In MS, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nerve cells and their protective myelin sheath, leading to scarring. This scarring disrupts communication between the brain and the body, … Read More

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