Benjamin Han, a geriatrician and addiction medicine specialist at the University of California-San Diego, tells his students a cautionary tale about a 76-year-old patient who, like many older people, struggled with insomnia. “She had problems falling asleep, and she’d wake up in the middle of the night,” he said. “So her daughter brought her some […]
A bright, sunny day can do wonders for our mood—if only we didn’t have to worry about what it can do to our skin. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world, and its incidence and mortality rates are on the rise—even though, paradoxically, it’s among the most preventable […]
As more of us live longer, can robots help us maintain healthier, more independent and dignified lives? The robots I’ve been studying are friendly, helpful machines that can talk, remind, monitor – and even offer a form of companionship for older people. By 2050, the global population of adults aged 60 and above is projected […]
June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, a timely opportunity to spotlight the major health issues affecting men as they age—and to look at ways to boost healthy aging and longevity. While life expectancy for men has improved over time, studies show that men are still more likely than women to die prematurely from preventable causes […]
We live in a time of growing anxiety and fear, where the disruptive forces of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, Big Data, virtual reality and augmented reality loom ominously over people’s lives. In a recent Scientific American article, psychologist Mary Alvord described how these anxieties are manifesting in her clients. Their concerns ranged from the increase […]
Kristin Kramer woke up early on a Tuesday morning 10 years ago because one of her dogs needed to go out. Then, a couple of odd things happened. When she tried to call her other dog, “I couldn’t speak,” she said. As she walked downstairs to let them into the yard, “I noticed that my […]
Nearly everyone has encountered the unthinkable: Your smartphone landed in the toilet. Or you forgot to take off your smartwatch before jumping into the pool. Or maybe you meant to take those earbuds out of your pocket before running the laundry. What now? Internet forums are chock-full of advice to dry out that drenched device, […]
As we get older, taking care of our brain health becomes a priority. Cognitive wellness involves adopting habits that support mental clarity and function. From dietary choices to physical activity, many aspects of our daily life can influence our brain health. The goal is to incorporate practices that stimulate the brain and foster a supportive environment for mental function. […]
A prime example of elderspeak: Cindy Smith was visiting her father in his assisted living apartment in Roseville, California. An aide who was trying to induce him to do something — Smith no longer remembers exactly what — said, “Let me help you, sweetheart.” “He just gave her The Look — under his bushy eyebrows […]
We’ve reported often (for example, here, here, here and here) on senior living options, from “aging in place” to senior living facilities. It’s certainly a vital topic for SuperAgers. But in addition to watching the overall trends, we’ve also been looking for “insider” expertise on the practical issues involved in making the best decisions. Is […]
