Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men, affecting millions worldwide. Understanding who is at risk, recognizing the signs, and knowing when to seek screening can make a significant difference in outcomes. Here’s what you need to know about prostate cancer. Who gets prostate cancer? Prostate cancer primarily affects men, 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
If an older adult is often tired, they might chalk it up to their age. But feelings of tiredness that last for more than about two weeks may be a sign of fatigue—a common problem among older adults. “Constantly feeling tired and low on energy can create harmful side effects for your aging loved one,” 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
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
By Megan Maher, BSN, RN, Aging Life Care Manager and RN Case Manager, Windward Home Health Adults aged 65 or older take more medications than any other age group. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control estimates that 83% of U.S. adults in their 60s and 70s had used at least one prescription drug in Read More
By Megan Maher, BSN, RN, Aging Life Care Manager and RN Case Manager, Windward Home Health July 28 was World Hepatitis Day. Many individuals do not know what hepatitis is or how it may affect them, but older adults should. Seniors (ages 65 and over) are at higher risk of acquiring all types of hepatitis Read More
Telemedicine, age-friendly communities and gene editing for disease treatment: When we look at the many things helping us age well today, it almost sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, circa 1962. The Jetsons was an animated kids’ show about a futuristic family. While everyday use of jetpacks and flying cars may still be a Read More
If you’re going to be with family on Thanksgiving, we’d like to suggest a conversation topic: family health history. Did you know that Thanksgiving is also National Family Health History Day? It was planned that way (by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2004) because so many nuclear and extended families come together on this holiday—and Read More
Most people have heard of or know someone who has Alzheimer’s disease. Many fewer people have heard of a similar, widespread form of dementia called Lewy body dementia (LBD). According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, LBD is the “second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.” LBD affects more than 1 million Read More