From the monthly archives:
Q. The older I get, the more trouble I have sleeping and, since my husband died after 53 years of marriage, it’s gotten worse. I find I don’t feel as good during the day as a result, even though I take long naps. Cutting down on your napping during the day and increasing your exercise [...]
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Continue ReadingQuestion: My 85-year-old mother loves candles and is always burning them, especially on chilly winter nights. She also often falls asleep with a candle burning. Since she lives alone, I’m worried about her safety. Your mother could be vulnerable to a very real safety threat. The U.S. Fire Administration says people over the age of [...]
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Continue ReadingSo how do you know if your senior’s diet fits the bill? These 10 warning signs are red flags that may signal a potential problem: Loss of appetite: If your senior has always been a hearty eater but no longer eats as he or she used to, it’s time to find out why. Underlying illness [...]
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Continue ReadingDementia is the loss of cognitive functioning and intellectual reasoning due to changes in the brain caused by disease. Those with dementia tend to repeat questions, become disoriented in familiar places, neglect personal hygiene or nutrition, or get confused about people or time. It can be caused by many things, some of which are reversible [...]
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Continue ReadingQ: My 82-year-old mother’s doctor put her on anti-depressants and I’m worried about leaving her alone. Do you have any suggestion? Your concern may be justified. According to an analysis of previous studies reported in a recent issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, older adults who take several types of psychotropic medications such as [...]
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Continue ReadingQ. Heart disease runs in my mother’s family and since dad died last year, mom just isn’t taking care of herself. What’s the latest on preventing this common threat? An interesting study from the University of Warwick Medical School found that middle- aged and older adults with high levels of vitamin D could reduce their [...]
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Continue ReadingQ. My mother is soon to be discharged from the hospital after a long post-surgery recovery. What problems could she encounter? Since she lives alone, how could we be prepared? A recent study has identified an unusual phenomenon. For senior citizens, hospitalizations actually may cause temporary memory loss and difficulty in understanding discharge instructions, according [...]
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Continue ReadingQ. I had a stroke a few months ago and I am recovering well, according to my doctor. What are the best ways to ensure I have all I need to make a strong comeback? Check out your neighborhood for support while recovering from a serious illness such as stroke. The odds of surviving stroke [...]
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Continue ReadingQ. I’m watching my 72-year-old mother struggle with financial issues – she doesn’t have enough income to live on. I fear this will be my fate as I approach my senior years. Are there any solid careers out there for older adults? Your fears are shared by many. Nearly half of today’s Baby Boomers do [...]
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Continue ReadingI think my 86-year-old dad has dementia or something worse. He is becoming forgetful and I fear he is no longer safe at home. As a result, I am at his house more frequently. This is putting a strain on my own job and family life. My siblings don’t think this is a big deal, [...]
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