Aging & Independence Archives

Effective Medication Management

Jan 22, 2024 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Taking medications is a crucial part of managing health for many older adults. If you have a chronic condition, such as hypertension or diabetes, perhaps taking meds has become so routine that you no longer even think about them. Or maybe you’ve been prescribed medications for a new condition or … Read More

Newsbriefs: Alcohol use disorder; COVID-19 complications; breast cancer drug efficacy; Alzheimer’s PET scans

Jan 22, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Treating Alcohol Use Disorder Older adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD) experience better health and quality of life after treatment for the condition, according to a recent European study. AUD is characterized by an inability to stop or control alcohol use even if it results in adverse consequences for your … Read More

Ask the Experts: Coordinating Care Needs; Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes; LVAD for Heart Failure

Jan 22, 2024 · Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD · Aging & Independence

My elderly mother is fit and well for her age, but she sees several specialists and is struggling to manage her health-care needs, medical appointments, and medications. I help when I can, but it’s difficult because I live on the other side of the country; moreover, my husband has frontotemporal … Read More

The Key to Aging Well Lies Within You

Dec 20, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

When do we feel that we have reached old age? That varies. Many of us are a bit surprised when we look in the mirror or at a photograph of ourselves. …Who is that person staring back at me? People have lived into old age throughout history, but never before … Read More

Think Positive as You Age

Dec 20, 2023 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Getting older means inevitable physical declines and losses that may transform your life. But—as my article on page 4 of this month’s issue notes—you can still turn this stage of your life into a time of growth, meaning, and happiness. To achieve this, you need to be proactive, creative, and … Read More

Raising Awareness: The Stigma of Parkinson’s Disease

Dec 20, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Even the best treatment approaches for Parkinson’s disease (PD) are inadequate if they do not address patients’ feelings of social rejection, isolation, loneliness, and other psychosocial effects of stigma, according to a new study co-authored by UCLA Health neurologist and researcher Indu Subramanian, MD. She says many misconceptions and biases … Read More

How to Find a Silver Lining or Simply Cope a Little Better in Stressful Situations

Dec 20, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

When confronted with personal challenges or news that can leave you discouraged and deflated, you might try to look for some positive takeaway message or lesson. You may wonder how you can cope when things seem overwhelming. While you may not be able to find a silver lining in every … Read More

Ask Dr. Etingin: Pelvic Floor Health; RSV Vaccine

Dec 19, 2023 · Orli R. Etingin, M.D. · Aging & Independence

My gynecologist said I need to strengthen my pelvic floor. What is it and why is it important? The pelvic floor is a web of muscles that holds up the bladder, bowel, and uterus. When these muscles become weakened from things like childbirth, heavy lifting, chronic coughing, and basically anything … Read More

Frontline: Phototherapy for Alzheimer’s Treatment; Timing of Exercise and Weight Loss; Knee Replacement Surgery

Nov 29, 2023 · Rochelle Nataloni · Aging & Independence

Phototherapy Demonstrates Promise for Alzheimer’s Treatment A new study has demonstrated promising results using photobiomodulation (PBM) for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). PBM is a type of low-level laser energy that is used to stimulate, heal, regenerate, and protect tissue that has been injured or is degenerating. In the study, researchers showed … Read More

Annual Gift Guide: Focus on Age Tech

Nov 29, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Age tech refers to the innovative use of technology to address the unique challenges, interests, and needs of older adults. You’re likely already familiar with and using some age-tech devices, for example hearing aids that perform double and triple duty by pairing with smart TVs and smart phones; cellphones with … Read More

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