Senior Health

Recently Answered
Q Where can I find information on caring for the elderly?
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Sharine Forbes, Gerontology
Here is a website that has a lot of very good information: http://www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com/ Full Answer
Q Should I be worried about my elderly mother losing weight?
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The honest answer, as so often happens when working with elders, is: "That depends." Unintentional weight loss (not the result of dieting to lose weight) can be worrisome. It signals a health decline, whether or not the elder has 'weight to spare'. Many... Full Answer
Q What is the nursing home culture change?
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Many of us think of nursing homes as are dismal, institutional places. Sorrowfully, this stereotype has proved to be genuine. And in light of this reality, numerous people are working towards the complete and total redesign of nursing home operations.... Full Answer
Q Why do I need to find new responsibilities when I retire?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal Medicine
Every five-year increase in age at retirement is associated with a ten percent decrease in mortality, especially from the heart (perhaps because when you retire you lose a reason for the heart to keep beating). Even if you quit your lifelong day job,... Full Answer
Q Why are the elderly susceptible to infection in the hospital?
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Older patients are more susceptible to infections because their immune systems are weaker. They also may have additional conditions that open the door for infection. Chronic age-related diseases can contribute to weakness as well. Lastly, the... Full Answer
Q How can I find a good doctor for my elderly loved one?
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If you suspect your elderly loved one may be having problems with memory, it's very important to have them evaluated sooner rather than later. There are many, many things that will mimic symptoms of Alzheimer's that could be treated, so don't let the... Full Answer
Q What screenings should I have as a senior who is 77?
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Your annual physical exam is an opportunity for you and your doctor to prevent medical problems or find new problems when they are still at an early stage.In my opinion, spotting problems that affect quality of life and independence are the top concerns... Full Answer
Q What ailments will new medicines for seniors be able to treat?
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The new medicines include 150 for diabetes, which affects 12.2 million Americans age 60 and older; 62 for eye disorders that contribute significantly to late-life disability; and 91 for Alzheimer’s disease, which could afflict 16 million... Full Answer
Q What are the top health challenges for seniors?
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Topping the health challenges for seniors are heart disease, cancer and cerebrovascular disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hypertension alone affects 67 percent of those aged 60 and older. Chronic lower... Full Answer
Q What medications are most dangerous to senior citizens?
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Dr. Robin Miller, Integrative Medicine
People rely more on medications as they age -- but they're also more sensitive to drug side effects. In this video, Dr. Robin Miller flags the most important mistakes to avoid when it comes to drugs and the elderly. Full Answer