Depression affects people of all ages, and while many of those who suffer from it are those in their advanced years, the fact is that depression is not a natural part of aging.

Most of us have some awareness of the fact that lifestyle choices affect the length of our lifespans, as well as our levels of overall health and independence throughout our later years. Studies have shown that optimism can reduce the harmful effects that stress can have on our physical and emotional well-being.

For elderly people suffering from Alzheimer's, the winter season presents several additional health issues. Here's how SAD can potentially worsen the symptoms of those suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

It is natural to worry about the health of yourself or your loved ones as they age through their twilight years. Aging increases the risk of many debilitating conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, cancer, dementia, and more. The good news is that none of these are foregone conclusions. By adopting and maintaining a few key good behaviors, you can decrease the risks of developing them, and increase the chances of living a longer, healthier life. It’s important to encourage and cultivate healthy lifestyle changes, and it’s never too late to start.

America is a culture that celebrates youth. From our music and movie stars, to our lifestyles encouraging us to get cheap disposable household furniture and goods and replace it all frequently, too much focus is on new and shiny things, and even the elderly adults who helped make this country what it is can be discarded by the wayside when they’re no longer convenient. Too many of our older citizens live in isolation, due to a variety of factors that cause them to be cut off from others. Whether it’s by choice or by circumstance, the elderly can find themselves distanced from and out of communication with family, friends, and other social connections. When this happens, it can cause older adults to feel unwanted, unneeded, without purpose, and left behind by the world. In other words, disposable.

For some elderly people, their social interactions may only consist entirely of visiting the doctor’s office or the bank and grocery store during their normal errands. For seniors who are still mobile enough to get around, activities like volunteering for a nonprofit, a school, or some kind of litter cleanup crew can be a satisfying and rewarding way to feel useful, give something back to the community, and engage with people from all walks of life, not to mention form new social bonds with like-minded people.
 

Moving is a stressful proposition for anyone, and the thoughts and prospect of leaving a long term home can be overwhelming and anxiety inducing for just about anyone. For seniors, many of whom spent their entire adult lives in their home, filling it with memories of raising a family, living with a spouse, and more, it can feel almost like the world is coming to an end.

One of the best ways to reduce your overall risk of developing cancer is maintaining good bodily health. One of the most essential parts of the equation for keeping good health is a well-balanced diet that includes the nutrition our bodies need. We are what we eat, and nutritious meals give senior bodies the fuel and building blocks for a strong immune system, faster recovery from disease and injuries, and also reducing the risk of developing cancer. While there are many factors that affect cancer risk, such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle, and a good diet may not completely prevent cancer alone, the countless other benefits to health alone are worth it.

One of the realities of getting older is the increasing number and frequency of various medical tests. Of course these procedures are not done for fun, but are simply a chore that is thrust upon us as a result of reaching our twilight years.

Pets are loyal friends who love us unconditionally. The unwavering commitment that a pet will have to our happiness can help to make even the worst of days just a little bit better.

Senior citizens in the Mesa, Arizona region prioritize their health to live their best lives. Part of a healthful lifestyle is keeping up with vaccines. We become more susceptible to illnesses as we age because our immune systems weaken. Some diseases are pretty severe for seniors and are preventable with vaccinations. Immunizations are an effective way to protect us from these diseases. Here, we will discuss vaccines a senior citizen should add to their care plan.

Seniors can be prevented from getting outside of the house by a number of hurdles, both mental and physical. Depending on the capabilities and physical condition of your elder loved one, even a short excursion can take a great deal of energy and leave them exhausted. If you find yourself taking care of someone with mobility issues, the simple act of leaving the house, for any reason, can be daunting. However, breathing a little fresh air and getting out into the sunshine can accomplish more than just diminishing boredom and complacency. Studies have shown that people who get outside on a daily basis are less prone to a wide variety of health problems, such as chronic pain or sleep loss, and are more likely to remain active than their housebound counterparts.

Injuries from falls are the number one cause of preventable hospitalizations in older adults. The good news is that the incidence of hip fractures in older adults has been in decline over the last thirty years. However, the bad news is that the number hit a plateau in 2012 and has been increasing recently. Worryingly, the worldwide incidence of hip fractures is expected to increase in men by 310% and in women by 240%, compared to what the rates were in 1990.

Once we reach our senior years and begin to age through the twilight period of our lives, one of the things that is almost universally understood to be a positive activity that enriches our lives is forming meaningful connections with any grandchildren we might have. By spending quality time with your grandchildren, not only will you build memories with them that will last their lifetimes, research has shown that children and teens who have close and healthy relationships with the seniors in their lives will themselves grow up to have healthy attitudes towards the aging process.

The state of California legalized recreational marijuana a number of years ago, and before that medicinal marijuana had been legalized for some time. But since recreational legalization, adults aged 21 and over no longer need a medical card confirming a prescription by a healthcare provider to purchase cannabis and cannabis products from licensed retailers and dispensaries.

While marijuana’s medicinal use for pain treatment is widely talked about, now that it’s recreationally legal and people are always talking up the supposed many benefits of using cannabis, whether through smoking it or consuming food and drink that contains it, it’s beneficial to take a look at what cannabis can and can’t do, and how it might fit into your life.

Part of the aging process is that lean muscle begins to decline. Fortunately, this trend can be slowed significantly, or even stopped, by maintaining a regimen of regular exercise, and eating nutritious meals with plenty of protein. A recent study found that older adults who consumed high amounts of dietary protein had more muscle mass and greater levels of functional strength than seniors whose diets were lacking in protein.

We often think of vital signs like measurements of blood pressure, pulse rate, cholesterol levels, or blood sugar as indicators of overall health, but those are not the only ways to gauge a person’s overall health. What people may not be aware of is that walking speed, or gait, is a useful metric for evaluating current health and predicting future health outcomes. 

Forgetting things is sometimes an everyday part of life. It’s the reason to-do lists, reminder apps, and tying a string around your finger all exist. As people age, it’s possible they may experience more frequent episodes of memory loss, and this is often a normal part of aging. So how can older adults tell if what they are experiencing is normal aging symptoms, or signs of something worse, like Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? 

Engaging in regular physical activity is essential for aging as healthily as possible. Much of the symptoms and stereotypes we associate with the physical decline of aging is actually a result of sedentary behavior, and with physical activity it can be counteracted. An ideal exercise routine should include a combination of stretching, strength training, and aerobics. The good news is that there’s a form of exercise that hits all three of those goals simultaneously, which is aqua therapy.

The COVID pandemic has had a huge, immeasurable impact on all of our lives and has served as a wake-up call for many people in terms of their understanding of how important vaccines are for the state of public health. Ask any geriatrician and they’ll tell you that vaccines are one of the most powerful weapons in their medical arsenal for combating serious illness. For senior citizens, contracting a serious illness can profoundly impact their health and quality of life, leading to ripple effects such as loss of independence, decreased mental and physical capabilities, or a prematurely shortened lifespan. 

The medicare system is complicated, but by learning the basics you can save money and ensure that you get the health care that you prefer. Here are some frequently asked questions, and their answers, about Medicare that will help you to plan and navigate the system.

While the summer is a great time to plan outdoor activities, stretch our legs, and shake off any remaining winter blahs that might still be weighing us down, the truth is that enjoying the sunshine can quickly turn from a fun time to a dangerous time. Sunlight, higher temperatures, and physical exertion can take their toll on the youngest and fittest people, and older adults are particularly susceptible to heat emergencies and dehydration. The good news, however, is that with a little bit of preparation and preventative steps, you can make sure your days never turn sour and you can let the good times roll all summer long.

When most people think of the changes that cognitive decline like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease brings about, they tend to focus on a few measures of brain health. The reality however, is that the truth of the breadth of the changes is a lot more complicated.

            Recreational activities are a great way for seniors to stay active and engaged in their later years. Whether continuing a current or rediscovering an old hobby, or exploring something new, recreation can strengthen physical and mental abilities. Just because someone is a senior doesn’t mean they have to sit around playing bingo or watching the news.