Healthy Aging
Aging is a natural part of life that can be active, productive and satisfying. While aging is not reversible, gerontologists (doctors who specialize in aging) know many ways to prevent health problems and ensure well-being into the later years. Advice is much the same as for any age: exercise, nutrition, vitamins and herbs, and stress-relieving activities.
We also all know that aging can bring on many illnesses and disorders. It is important to continue getting good healthcare into your old age.
Recently Answered
- Q Can I have an active sex life if I'm in my 70s?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyMany people continue to have an active sex life into their 70s and beyond. In this video, Dr. Oz and his guest Dr. Linda Lee discuss how sex can be satisfying for folks in their 70s. Full Answer
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- Q As I get older, how might my diet affect my sex life?
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A steady diet of cheeseburgers, soda, and channel surfing may seem like no big deal when you're younger, but as we age, these poor choices begin to take their toll on our health. The result? Clogged arteries, obesity, and a higher risk of... Full Answer
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- Q As a senior citizen, can I continue to have and enjoy sex?
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The results of the large National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, published in The Journal of Gerontology, suggest that getting older doesn't have to mean saying goodbye to sex: Researchers found that 84 percent of men and 62 percent of... Full Answer
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- Q What are the benefits of social interaction for seniors?
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Dr. Dawn Marcus, NeurologyResearchers in Australia followed senior citizens for 10 years. In people 70 years old and older, the risk of dying decreased by 20 percent when people had a strong network of friends. Having social interactions with friends provided a greater... Full Answer
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- Q What changes in physical appearance can I expect with aging?
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Dr. Harris McIlwain, Pain MedicineSkin changes happen with a decrease in the number of pigment cells in the skin after age 30. Since these cells allow tanning, there may be a difference in the ability to tan as evenly as before. And harmless spots made up of remaining pigment cells may... Full Answer
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- Q When may pets negatively affect an elderly parent's health?
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Shelley Webb, NursingPets occasionally carry diseases or cause allergies; these may be issues for people with compromised immune systems. Full Answer
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- Q What qualities do elderly adults look for in a companion?
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Anthony Cirillo, GerontologyThe Council on Aging conducted a study a few years back. They asked people about the qualities they were looking for in a companion. They were high moral character, a pleasant personality, a good sense of humor and intelligence. It seems the more... Full Answer
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- Q How common is sex among the elderly?
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Anthony Cirillo, GerontologyMany older Americans routinely engage in vaginal intercourse, oral sex and masturbation according to a federally funded study published by the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007. 3,005 men and women participated in the study. 73 percent... Full Answer
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- Q What are some tips for traveling with my elderly parents?
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Shelley Webb, NursingWhen traveling with elderly parents, allow a lot of extra time when traveling by plane, train, boat, or bus. Senior adults do not move quickly. Call ahead to determine if special services are available for senior citizens. Make your exact needs... Full Answer
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- Q What should I consider when getting a dog for a senior?
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Dr. Dawn Marcus, NeurologyWhen considering adding a dog to a senior's home: Make sure the senior wants to have a dog Be sure the senior can care for a dog - physically, mentally, and financially Arrange for plans to care for the dog if the senior becomes unable to... Full Answer
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