Seasonal Affective Disorder in Seniors
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a cyclical form of depression that occurs only during a specific time of year, which is usually the winter. Signs may begin in the fall after daylight savings time occurs. The exact cause of SAD is unknown, but mental health professionals attribute the condition to changes in body temperature, hormone […]
Medication Management
A 2010 survey conducted by the journal American Nurse Today found that 44% of men and 57% of women age 65 and over take 5 or more medications per week, and approximately 12% of both men and women take 10 or more medications per week. While medications can help keep you healthy, the more pills […]
Disaster Preparedness
Being prepared in the event of a natural disaster is important for everyone. However, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) stresses that it is especially important for older Americans to have plans in place, and reassess them at regular intervals to make sure they are in line with their current needs and capabilities. If […]
Preventive Health Care for Seniors
Medical preventive care is defined as services your doctor provides to help you both avoid health problems and detect any issues you may have early on, when they would be more likely to respond to treatment. This is important for all citizens, as it is the most proactive way to manage your future health. However, […]
Bathtub Safety for Seniors
While bathtub safety is a concern for everyone, it is especially so for senior citizens. It is estimated that one third of adults age 60 and over have difficulty climbing into or out of their bathtub or shower. Slippery conditions and hard surfaces make bathrooms an area of high risk for people to fall and […]
Food Safety for Seniors
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of all citizens, and part of this is educating Americans on food safety issues. According to the FDA, men and women over the age of 65 are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. This is not only because our immune […]
Driver Safety for Seniors
Aging adults often fear losing their independence, and the ability to drive is at the top of the list. According to a poll taken by the American Automobile Association (AAA), 85% of all seniors fear losing their driving privileges. However, this does not necessarily need to happen to you. Under the right conditions, it may […]
Top Low Impact Exercises for Older Adults
While it is recommended people of all ages exercise to maintain their health, physical can be particularly important for seniors. As long as you have approval from a health care professional, incorporating a low impact exercise routine into your daily life can help you reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve your muscle strength, and prevent […]
Protecting Seniors from Summer Heat
In June 2011, researchers at Stanford University confirmed that our summers are indeed getting hotter, due to increased emissions of greenhouse gases worldwide. They concluded that if this situation continues, the majority of the world will experience an irreversible rise in summer temperatures, perhaps as soon as within the next 20 years. While this is […]
Fire Safety for Senior Citizens
According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), a branch of the Department of Homeland Security, your risk of death from fire increases significantly as you get older. In fact, the organization states that 1,100 Americans ages 65 and older die each year as the result of a home fire. Additionally, when compared to the […]
Safe Medication Storage and Disposal
A June 2013 research study, conducted by the Mayo Clinic, revealed that 7 out of 10 Americans take at least one prescription medication. In fact, more than 50 percent of Americans take two prescription drugs, and 20 percent take at least five different medicines. The Center for Disease Control reports that the number of medications […]
How Seniors Can Protect Themselves from Being the Victim of a Crime
Unfortunately, criminals tend to view senior citizens as excellent targets for crime. The assumption is often made that someone older will be living alone, be more gullible, or otherwise is just easier to dupe with lies and schemes. Seniors are often the victims of home repair fraud, car theft, robbery, purse snatching, pickpocketing, and monetary […]
