September is the month each year we are reminded of how important it is to prevent falls, especially for older adults. Not every fall is preventable, of course. But most are. Falls are a major risk for older adults, which makes reducing fall risks one of our most important priorities. In this post, we focus Read More
In our interconnected world, the ability to speak more than one language can be an asset. But learning or maintaining a second language as you age also offers a treasure trove of benefits—mental, emotional, social, and cultural. This is true for older adults learning a new language and for those who grew up bilingual but Read More
In the age of the internet, misinformation is everywhere, particularly when it comes to health and medical issues. Misinformation can spread faster than the common cold, often because sensational content—however inaccurate—tends to get more clicks and shares. “We cannot underestimate the dangers of health misinformation and the need to understand why it spreads and what Read More
Hearing loss, cataracts, back pain, and dementia are all health risks we anticipate as we grow older. Rarely discussed is thyroid health – despite its crucial role in maintaining overall well-being. The thyroid gland may be small, but its impact on our body is immense. What is the thyroid? The thyroid gland is part of Read More
The economy, politics, world events—everyday life gives us plenty of reasons to stress out. And the older they get, the more important it becomes for people to be able to manage their stress. Chronic stress not only impacts our mental well-being but also poses a considerable risk to heart health as we age. Understanding the Read More
February is Senior Independence Month, a great time to celebrate the many benefits of aging in place. For many older adults, driving is an important aspect of their independence. However, with aging, the ability to drive safely can become compromised, presenting a delicate balance between independence and safety. What affects senior driving? Aging inevitably brings Read More
You may be noticing an uptick in people sneezing, sniffling, and coughing these days. That’s because respiratory viruses are surging right now, including in California. Flu, Covid, and RSV are spreading, and cases are expected to keep rising. Part of the problem is that many people, seniors included, are not getting vaccinated. A CNN article Read More
By Megan Maher, BSN, RN, Nurse Care Manager and RN Case Manager, Windward Home Health Among the holiday lights, gatherings, and gifts, many seniors experience less than shiny and bright feelings during winter. Winter blues can be attributed to a number of factors, including decreased natural light, leading to hormonal changes that influence mood and Read More
As we age, our bodies and minds undergo inevitable changes, but how seniors adapt to these changes can profoundly affect their quality of life. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from life’s challenges, becomes increasingly important as we age. “Healthy aging is not just about avoiding disease,” says Anthony J.A. Molina, Ph.D., of UC San Read More
Hearing loss is a common issue for seniors, and it affects more than just their ability to hear. Many health problems, including hearing loss, cause other mental and physical problems—called co-morbidities. Here’s a look at six significant co-morbidities linked with hearing loss. 1. Loneliness Hearing loss can lead to difficulties in communication, which may contribute Read More