Prepare in advance if you need new knee
Q: I have knee osteoarthritis that will eventually require knee replacement surgery, perhaps in the next 12 to 18 months. What steps can I take now to prepare for it and perhaps delay it even longer? A: It’s great you are thinking about this well in advance. Here are some suggestions. Consider pain-reducing options. A few things may enable you to go a little longer without a... READ MORE
Studying effect of exercise on cognition
Did you know there’s a special exercise program specifically for U.S. veterans 65 and older? It’s called Gerofit, and it started at the Veterans Affairs office in Durham, North Carolina, in 1986. In 2012, the program began to become more popular after a demonstration was released on a DVD. Currently, more than 30 VA centers offer the program to their older veterans. It’s ... READ MORE
A late night kiwi may improve your sleep
One of the most beautiful and delicious fruits, kiwis are favorites of children and adults alike. However, these bright green fruits might be most adored by the wellness community, as they’re incredibly nutritious. One potential health benefit of kiwi that’s been causing some buzz recently? Eating one before bed might help you sleep better. Here’s all you need to know... READ MORE
Extreme heat affects older adults more
Dear Savvy Senior, I work for a county health department, and every summer, we’re seeing more and more seniors get sick and even die from heat-related illness. Can you write an awareness piece on the affects extreme heat has on older adults, and what they can do to guard against this summertime risk? —Health Advocate Dear Advocate, Happy to oblige! Most people... READ MORE
Some simple steps that can lower fall risk
One in four U.S. adults 65 and older fall each year, putting them at risk of injury, broken bones and even death. But common as falls may be, they are not inevitable. “The more work we do, the more we realize that healthy aging doesn’t have to include falling,” said Cara McDermott, who researches falls at Duke University School of Medicine. Here are some ways to reduce your... READ MORE
Meds and supplements for Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide, progressively impairing memory and cognitive function. To manage this challenging condition, a combination of pharmaceutical treatments and natural remedies can be highly effective. Medications like donepezil (Aricept), memantine and rivastigmine play a crucial role in improving cognition and slowing the progression of... READ MORE
Ways to cope with ringing in your ears
Q: I have persistent ringing in my ears, mostly in my right ear. My hearing test showed mild hearing loss. What can I try before spending money on hearing aids? A: You are one of the estimated 15% of American adults who suffer from tinnitus. For many, it’s a high-pitched ringing, while for others, it sounds like whistling, whooshing, buzzing, chirping, hissing, humming, roaring or even... READ MORE
Some of the top health benefits of dates
When you hit the supermarket to restock your kitchen with nutrient-packed fruit, you probably unconsciously turn your cart into the produce section, where apples, oranges and grapes abound. But in doing so, you could be missing out on a fresh fruit hiding out next to the raisins and prunes in the bulk bin aisle: dates. That’s right: Though wrinkly, sticky and chewy like dried... READ MORE
Telling our stories can produce catharsis
Recalling our past and telling or writing our stories can release a floodgate of emotions that have long been blocked within us. As a professional biographer and personal historian, I have witnessed how summoning the details of our lives from our memory banks — or even learning missing information about our own or our forefathers’ and foremothers’ life stories — can bring us joy, ... READ MORE
Study volunteers needed for daily walks
We all know that exercise is good for us, but as we age, our joints might feel creaky or we may have more aches and pains. That may make exercise harder. Now a new study at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health hopes to help people age 65 and older get moving again. “Sit less by moving more,” explained Amal Wanigatunga, Ph.D., the principal investigator of the... READ MORE
