Category: Seniors
Got Long Covid? Medical Expertise Is Vital, and Seniors Should Prepare to Go Slow
Older adults who have survived covid-19 are more likely than younger patients to have persistent symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, muscle aches, heart palpitations, headaches, joint pain, and difficulty with memory and concentration — problems linked to long covid. But it can be hard to distinguish lingering aftereffects of covid from conditions common in older adults such as lung disease, heart disease, and mild cognitive impairment.
Want to “age in place” someday? Take action now
Planning ahead, and making changes gradually, can help older adults stay independent and in their homes longer.
What is palliative care? How is it different from hospice?
Palliative care was not associated with shortened survival, pushing back against a popular assumption that pursuing palliative care means “giving up” on fighting disease. In fact, one influential study found that patients with advanced lung cancer who receive specialty palliative care in addition to standard oncology care lived almost three months longer than patients who received standard oncology care only.
Compare nursing homes with this online tool from Medicare
Whether you’re planning ahead or need to make an unexpected decision, there’s a lot to think about when choosing the right nursing home for you or your loved one. Medicare.gov makes it easy to find and compare nursing homes in your area.
Risk factors that determine whether you’re more or less likely to develop cognitive decline
Why some people with mild cognitive impairment develop dementia while others don’t has long been a mystery. But a recent study has identified several factors that determine whether a person is more or less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment. These findings might give us a clue about who might be more likely to develop dementia.
West Virginia Sen. Manchin Takes the Teeth Out of Democrats’ Plan for Seniors’ Dental Care
Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia opposes adding dental and other benefits for Medicare beneficiaries. He says it cost the federal government too much.
‘Wisdom and Fear’ Lead 90% of U.S. Seniors to Covid Vaccines
When vaccines became available many states targeted seniors first. That effort has proved successful, although rates vary among states: Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Vermont vaccinated more than 99% of their seniors, while West Virginia ranks last with 78%.
Restoring a Sense of Belonging: The Unsung Importance of Casual Relationships for Older Adults
Casual relationships can cultivate a sense of belonging, motivate us to engage in activities, and expose us to new information and opportunities — all without the emotional challenges that often attend close relationships with family and friends.
Most COVID deaths in England now are in the vaccinated – here’s why that shouldn’t alarm you
One way to imagine the risk is as a rain of differently sized ball bearings falling from the sky . . .
Poll finds risky drinking patterns in older adults during pandemic
23% of adults over 50 who drink alcohol reported that they routinely had three or more drinks in one sitting
Is Your Living Room the Future of Hospital Care?
Hospital-level care at home — some of it provided over the internet — is poised to grow after more than a decade as a niche offering.
As Pandemic Eases, Many Seniors Have Lost Strength, May Need Rehabilitative Services
Anyone who cares for older adults has seen a significant decline in functioning as people have been less active.
Trouble Managing Money May Be an Early Sign of Dementia
Long before they receive a dementia diagnosis, many people start losing their ability to manage their finances.
King County launches in-home coronavirus vaccination program
Right now, appointments are limited and individuals with the greatest challenges leaving their homes will be prioritized.
Vaccinations Lag for Home Health Workers
Just a quarter of home health care workers were vaccinated by early March, compared to about two-thirds of hospital workers and half of nursing home workers