America’s population is aging. The number of U.S. residents 65 or older is expected to reach nearly 73 million by 2030, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And as many of America’s homeowners approach old age, the skills and knowledge needed to help them prepare for aging in place are becoming increasingly important. According to […]
Long-distance caregivers have the especially challenging task of ensuring their loved ones’ health and well-being even when they don’t see them in person each day. Unfortunately, consistent phone calls and check-ins with health care providers and neighbors do not paint a complete picture of your loved one’s physical and mental health. Thankfully, technology advancements empower long-distance […]
Specialized gadgets–and accessibility features on smartphones–can enhance a senior’s quality of life New technologies, even successful ones, often seem more like toys than tools—for most of us, telling a smart speaker to turn on the lights is fun but not really life-changing. But digital advances can make a big difference to older adults, making it […]
If you’re like many people, you may not take dry eyes seriously—but that could be a big mistake. Left untreated, dry eye syndrome can cause discomfort and bouts of blurry vision. It can interfere with your activities—for example, making it hard to use a computer for long periods or travel comfortably in the dry cabin […]
Many people would consider losing their eyesight one of the worst losses they could endure. While most of us will not suffer from complete blindness, millions currently live with some form of visual impairment. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), older adults represent the majority of the visually impaired population in the United States. […]
Lack of oversight and caregiving shortfalls could put residents at risk. Here’s how to avoid problems. For many frail older Americans, assisted living has become an increasingly popular alternative to remaining in their homes. You can live in a comfortable residence, receive the services that you need, such as help with bathing and dressing, as […]
MONDAY, April 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There’s been lots of research into how too many hours lounging on chairs and sofas can harm the heart. Now, researchers say all that sitting might be bad for your brain, too. A new study found that too much time spent sitting was correlated with an unhealthy “thinning” […]
While it may seem like an unusual scenario, there are a few legitimate reasons why family members may want to change an aging loved one’s power of attorney designation. Of course, changes are easy to make if the principal is still mentally competent and wishes to name someone else (known as the agent) to act […]
I have spent my career as a nurse practitioner working with people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. My interest began when my grandmother developed dementia and I was dissatisfied with the care and level of understanding she received from medical professionals. Families often consult with me about one worrisome symptom of dementia: […]
Beginning April 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be sending new Medicare cards to beneficiaries. The new cards are being sent to decrease Medicare beneficiaries’ vulnerability to identity theft by removing the Social Security-based number from their Medicare identification cards and replacing it with a new unique Medicare Number. Here’s what you need to know before they arrive. […]
