Seniors

When seniors feel negative about aging it can lead them to have poorer cognitive function and hearing as they lose confidence in their abilities, according to new findings from the University of Toronto. Lead author, Dr. Alison Chasteen, said, “People’s feelings about getting older influence their sensory and cognitive functions. Those feelings are often rooted in ...click here to read more

Hearing loss in seniors is related to cognitive decline but can be reduced with hearing aids. Over time hearing loss can occur in seniors due to years of loud noises or even changes to the ears themselves. Much research has come out to support the evidence that hearing loss can speed up cognitive decline. One ...click here to read more

Hypothermia and frostbite are two winter health risks that seniors should be mindful of. Hypothermia occurs when the body’s internal temperature drops abnormally low. Normal body temperature is 98.6 °F (37 °C) and hypothermia is classified with a body temperature below 95 °F (35 °C). Seniors are more susceptible to hypothermia because they have a ...click here to read more

Flu season is right around the corner, and those over the age of 65 have a higher chance of catching it than other age groups. For this reason many seniors opt to get the flu shot, but if you’re like the many older adults who are on cholesterol-lowering statins, it may be ineffective. Two recent ...click here to read more

If up until now you thought your blood pressure readings were normal, you may have to double check them. A large study just revealed that changes to blood pressure guidelines need to occur in order to better represent seniors. A normal blood pressure reading has long been agreed to be 120 over 80 but with ...click here to read more

Researchers from St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada, have found that opioid use among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases health risks. Dr. Nicholas Vozoris from the hospital said, “The new use of opioids was remarkably high among adults with COPD living in the community. The amount of opioid use is concerning ...click here to read more

Researchers have found that face-to-face socializing is more effective at guarding against depression in older adults in comparison to phone calls or e-mails. The seniors who were part of the study were less likely to report feelings of depression when they had regular face-to-face communications. Face-to-face communication was so beneficial that improved mental health benefits ...click here to read more

Changes have recently been made in colorectal cancer screening guidelines suggested for aging seniors. Colorectal cancer is estimated to claim the lives of up to 50,000 Americans this year alone. An effective way to reduce fatalities linked with colon cancer is through preventative screening. New research argues that scheduling colonoscopy screenings for seniors every five ...click here to read more

New research suggests hearing loss in seniors is linked with earlier death. The study included 1,700 participants over the age of 70, and the research team found those with hearing loss increased their risk of death by 21 to 39 percent. Experts do caution that the study does not suggest hearing loss shortens a person’s ...click here to read more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that seniors who receive flu treatment can minimize hospital time. In their latest press release, the CDC noted that seniors over the age of 65 are at the highest risk of complications related to the flu. In the study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, their findings ...click here to read more

A new study from King’s College London has found that one in five seniors over 65 who consume alcohol do so at unsafe levels. These seniors were also found to be of higher socioeconomic status. The National Institute on Aging states that with time, drinking can lead to liver damage, immune system disorder, worsen conditions ...click here to read more

A good night’s sleep is one of the most important factors in a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, so many of us still end up counting sheep. A recent study discovered that for people over 65, spending time outdoors increases the ability to sleep well – especially for men. Inadequate sleep can have short- and long-term effects. ...click here to read more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates nearly 5.1-millions Americans have heart failure. Heart failure is the result of the heart not functioning properly and can lead to death. Aging is a large factor in the function of the heart, so many seniors are at risk for developing it. There are many contributing factors ...click here to read more

As you get older the likelihood of being alone increases. Whether you are widowed, divorced or never married, aging alone can really take its toll. Combine loneliness with chronic illness and you have a recipe for poor health. One solution that has shown to offer a great benefit to seniors is to own a pet. ...click here to read more