Aging & Independence Archives

Mindfulness Training Helps You Cope with Negative Feelings and Physical Discomfort

Apr 16, 2020 · Jay Roland · Aging & Independence

When struggling to manage negative feelings and physical pain, one approach may be to simply relax in the moment and take in all the sensations around you. The practice of mindfulness is just that being aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and your environment, but doing so with acceptance … Read More

Alcohol and A-fib

Apr 16, 2020 · Carrie Adkins-Ali · Aging & Independence

The interplay of alcohol and heart health is complicated. Light drinking appears to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events, but cross over into excessive consumption and you may put your health at risk. Now, a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows … Read More

A Key to Clearer Thinking? Surround Yourself with Organized Calm

Mar 19, 2020 · Jay Roland · Aging & Independence

A good, old-fashioned spring cleaning can do much more than make your home a little less messy. Creating a less-cluttered and more inviting space to live in has benefits that extend far beyond removing a few trip hazards and giving you more space to move around in the garage. … Read More

Ask the Doctor: Dementia; Allergy Medicine Side Effects; Finding Good Therapists

Mar 19, 2020 · Jay Roland · Aging & Independence

Q: My 82-year-old father is in very good health for his age, but he repeats the same stories often. Is it rude to point it out? He doesn’t seem to have other signs of dementia. A: One theory about why older adults tend to repeat the same stories or … Read More

Narrowing Options to Two Makes Hard Decisions Easier

Mar 19, 2020 · Jay Roland · Aging & Independence

Savvy parents quickly learn that presenting a young child with too many choices can be problematic. Parents receive an answer much faster when giving their kids two choices for lunch, for example, rather than presenting a long list of mealtime options. A “this or that” approach is usually more efficient. … Read More

Stay Active With a Mobility Aid

Mar 19, 2020 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Nearly 10 million older adults are estimated to use mobility aids, such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs, to help them get around. “Some people may use a mobility aid only temporarily, while recovering after surgery or injury,” says Mount Sinai social worker Sheila Bar¬ton, LCSW. “Others need extra support to … Read More

Staying in the Driver’s Seat

Feb 21, 2020 · JoAnn Milivojevic · Aging & Independence

As time ticks along there are changes experienced by just about everyone that can impact driving ability. There are the nearly universal declines in reflexes, vision, and hearing, but feeling uneasy about returning to the road after recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery are also realities faced by … Read More

Fall Prevention Programs Can Help You Stay Safely Mobile

Feb 21, 2020 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Many older adults cut back on physical activity after suffering a fall because they fear falling again. But while it may seem to lower your risk of falling, Mount Sinai social worker Sheila Barton, LCSW, says that sedentary behavior can increase your fall risk by reducing the strength of your … Read More

Pressure Sores Can Cause Serious Complications

Feb 21, 2020 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

If you or a loved one are spending an extended period either prone or seated due to illness, frailty, injury, disability or surgery, you’re at greater risk of pressure sores (also known as pressure injuries or bedsores). “Laying down or sitting in in one position for too long reduces the … Read More

Ask the Experts: Concussions; Expired Drugs; Bronchitis

Jan 21, 2020 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Q: A friend of mine suffered a concussion during a recent fall. However, since she didn’t lose consciousness, her condition was not detected in the emergency room and it took her son a day or two to realize all was not well. Can you clarify what the symptoms of concussion … Read More

Aging & Independence

Enter Your Login Credentials