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New Free Service Brings Advance Medical Directives Into 21st Century

Now there’s no reason to put off creating your advance medical directives. MyDirectives.com makes it easy and effortless—and you can update them as needed.
Healthcare Technology For Seniors: A New Model Offers Control, Independence And Dignity

Personalized services including healthcare technology for seniors allow for older Americans to remain independent at home.
Preventing Hospital Readmissions

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging has created a new online booklet to help families better plan for a loved one’s hospitalization.
Preparing Yourself For At Home Emergencies

Can you help a loved one in an emergency? The best way to lessen the effect of the “fight or flight” reaction in a crisis is to have a plan.
I Missed Medicare’s 2012 Annual Enrollment Period! What Now?

If you missed the Annual Enrollment Period and the cost of drugs, coverage or key benefits becomes more than you or a loved one can afford, there may be opportunities to make changes. The key is to be proactive and reach out to an expert.

By Ross Blair
Seven Ways Grieving Affects Your Health

Sleeplessness, loss of appetite and a worsening of medical conditions can all result from grieving.
Lower Blood Pressure Now To Lower Lifetime Heart Disease Issues

New research suggests that both early elevations and changes over time in blood pressure measurements impact your future risk of heart disease. Learn why you should lower blood pressure now.
Your New Role As A Patient

Get a doctor’s advice to avoid being a victim of medical malpractice.
Home Reminder Systems Are Getting Easier

Reminder services for seniors can help you manage caregiving responsibilities and improve the health of your loved ones.
How Families Anticipating A Loss Can Bring Joy Into Their Holiday Celebrations

Find out how to cope with the approaching loss of a senior loved one during the holiday season.

By Steve Barlam
Senior Helpers’ New Holiday Service For Your Loved Ones

Senior Helpers’s new Santa’s Senior Helpers assist seniors with holiday-oriented tasks to help keep them vital and involved.

By Julie Davis
10 Steps To Taking Charge Of Medical Bills

Caregiving responsibilities often include sorting through medical bills and EOB statements from insurance companies. Here’s how to get past the paperwork.

By Joshua Greenberg, MBA
Epigenetics: Why Your Genes Don’t Necessarily Predict Your Future

There’s quite a bit you can do to turn around poor genetic heritage. Your genes “bathe” in your environment, so you can choose good or bad ingredients for them.

By Deborah Quilter
12 Ideas For Senior Guests

Prepare your home for senior houseguests. Room by room, these comfort aids for seniors can create a safe retreat and a more enjoyable stay for older relatives and family friends.

By Julie Davis
8 Things You Need To Know About Long-Term Care

You may think you or loved ones are covered if you need long-term care. Get the truth about many misconceptions.

By Harold Lustig
The Geriatric Gap

Understanding how older adults are still developing will help you see them as they still are. Replace your bias and stereotypical thinking with new information about this phase of life.

By David Solie, MS, PA
Fall Prevention Awareness: The Importance of Home Safety Steps

Professional caregivers can safeguard seniors’ home to prevent falls and show you modifications to make in your own home for a safer senior visit.

By Peter Ross
Are You Smart Enough About Your Own Retirement?

Americans still aren’t scoring well on retirement income IQ tests. Find out what you need to know.
The Pelvic Floor, Part 2: Urinary Incontinence

For some pelvic floor issues and types of incontinence, these lifestyle habits may help.

By Deborah Quilter
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Part 1

You might know anything about your pelvic floor until something goes wrong. Learn how it works and the consequences of pelvic floor dysfunction.

By Deborah Quilter
Cost Savings Tips for Medicare 2012 Enrollment

If you’re new to the system, know that Original Medicare is not a free ride. Investigate all your options to minimize co-pays, deductibles and prescription costs.

By Ross Blair
Top 10 Fitness and Nutrition Tips For Older Adults

The right kind of exercise and diet can stave off physical and mental declines as we age. Here are 10 tips for healthy aging.
Home Staging to Sell

Whether you’re selling your own home or helping a parent make a senior transition, staging the home can result in a better, faster sale.
Medicare Advantage Plans: Why Getting Advice Is Essential

Medicare advantage plans can be so overwhelming that seniors don’t enroll at all or fail to choose the best plan for them.
Bone Health: How Aging Affects The Quality Of Your Bones

Bone mass may not be the sole predictor of fractures. More reason to protect bone health starting today.
No Bones About It

Fruits and vegetables are a must for better health and longevity. When making a shopping list, be sure the often-overlooked dried plums (yes, prunes!) are front and center

By Julie Davis
Nurturing The Grandparent-Grandchild Relationship

One of the most important relationships for seniors is the one they have with grandchildren. GrandCamp Adventures helps families nurture the grandparent and grandchild relationship.
7 Tech Friendly Recommendations for Baby Boomers & Seniors

Get Granny and iPhone, and get one for yourself, too. These tech advances make life easier…and more fun.
Caregiver Tips To Help With Choosing A Medicare Plan

Helping a senior choose the right Medicare plan is yet another hurdle. These tips can help
The Health Risks Of A High Sodium, Low Potassium Diet

Health risks of too much sodium are greater than previously thought. Learn how to cut salt and, as importantly, boost potassium.

By Julie Davis
Alcohol Drinking Among People Over 65

“Moderate drinking” over 65 is not the same as it is younger in life. Here’s how to find your tipping point.

By Julie Davis
Financial Tips For Caregivers

These ideas will help you better manage the financial costs of caring for a loved one.
Drug Label Warnings: Consumer Beware 

There’s little consistency and not enough compliance with drug safety warnings at major drugstores. The Consumer Reports’ statistics are shocking…and could be shockingly dangerous.
Telecare And Social Networking In One Tablet For Seniors

Telecare provider Independa introduces social networking reworked for seniors.
One Hospital’s NICHE Journey

See how the NICHE nursing protocol aimed at helping older patients have a better hospital outcome has empowered nurses at Hartford Hospital to take a more pro-active role.
Protecting Elders: Fighting Crimes, Fighting Fraud

With the high costs of senior services, protecting retirement assets is paramount. Learn about fraud and other crimes against seniors.
Picking Summer Travel Destinations Suited to Seniors’ Needs

These tips will help seniors plan travel and pick places that offer rich, exciting experiences in an appropriate environment.

By Steve Barlam
Taking To The Road For Cancer Prevention & Awareness

Follow naturopathic doctor Christina Tondora as she spreads her message of cancer awareness along a 20,000-mile motorcycle journey.
A New Scooter Concept From The Industry Founder Offers More Mobility Options

When Al Thieme created the first power scooter over 40 years ago, he created a new industry. The company’s latest innovation, a foldable model that fits in a car trunk, offers occasional users a convenient mobility option.
The Best Father’s Day Gifts

Here are five great ways to help your dad take control of his health and improve longevity.

By Leslie D. Michelson
Phone Captioning Lets You See Your Conversations

A new phone captioning service lets you see what the person you’ve called is saying.

By Julie Davis
The Healing Power of Relationship-Based Care for the Elderly

Learn about best nursing practices that allow and encourage nurses and patients to connect in a therapeutic relationship that facilitates healing.
Know Your Caregiver Risks

Caregiving does have health risks for the caregiver. But you can take steps to protect yourself.

By Julie Davis
A Permanent Solution To Urinary Incontinence
Caregiving Help For The Sight-Impaired

The caregiving needs of people with poor vision are greater than for other seniors. One woman’s new service points out the areas that may not be obvious to family members.

By Deborah Quilter
Special Caregiving “Partners” Make Travel With Seniors Possible

A great option for helping seniors on vacation is working with a local caregiver from a visiting nurse service, like New York’s Partners in Care.

By Julie Davis
Diet Smarts When You’re On Coumadin

The Dr. Gourmet Diet for Coumadin Users by Timothy Harlan, MD, shows you how to enjoy healthy, tasty food and improve your health.
Seniors And Stroke: How Neighborhood Support Helps Survival

A closely knit neighborhood not only helps seniors avoid isolation, but it can also provide a lifeline after a stroke.

By Julie Davis
Tips For Better Hearing…And Listening
Easy Treadmill Workouts Improve Walking In People With Parkinson’s

New research shows that walking at a comfortable speed on a treadmill helped people with Parkinson’s disease improve their mobility and independence.

By Julie Davis
An Expert’s Advice When Caring For A Loved One With Alzheimer’s

Given the seriousness of their symptoms, people with Alzheimer’s often require around the clock care. But their caregivers need assistance, too.

By Kathy N. Johnson, PhD, CMC
Safeguarding Your Health: The Patient Safety Checklist

By Martine Ehrenclou
A Growing Older Population Means A Growing Need For More Senior Housing

Affordable senior housing as well as senior-friendly design features are needed for safe aging in place.

By Mike Campbell
The Facts On Baby Boomers & Hearing Loss

Baby boomers are losing their hearing at a more rapid pace than past generations, but fail to seek the help they need to alleviate the affects of hearing loss.
What’s The Connection: Heart Disease Risk Factors & Brain Function

Research is uncovering connections between heart disease-stroke risks and brain function. Learn how addressing your risk of stroke may protect your brain’s executive function.

By Julie Davis
Understanding The Threat Of Resistant Infections

Up to half of all antimicrobial drugs, like antibiotics, are unnecessarily or inappropriately prescribed—possibly putting you at risk for a life-threatening illness.

By Julie Davis
The Risks Of Sleep Apnea And Daytime Sleepiness

Sleep apnea is about more than snoring. It could double your risk of death if accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness.

By Julie Davis
High Blood Pressure Affects Your Walking Speed And Your Independence

High blood pressure can slow your walking speed over a long period of time. This side effect is important because maintaining a certain speed is vital to your independence.

By Julie Davis
Build Muscle To Increase Strength As You Age

Everyone over age 50 needs to participate in progressive resistance exercise to prevent muscle loss that can limit mobility and quality of life.

By Julie Davis
Brain Fitness Technology For Seniors

Retirement communities now emphasize brain health to improve quality of life. At Front Porch, life isn’t spent in a rocking chair.

By Chris Iliades, MD
7 Benefits Of The Buteyko Method For Asthma Sufferers

The Buteyko Method shows you how to adopt lifestyle modifications that support healthy breathing and quell asthma attacks.
New Treatments Can End the Misery of Incontinence

New treatments can correct certain forms of incontinence. A urethral support sling can provide virtually immediate and permanent relief from stress UI.

By Julie Davis
Depression Update: A New Side Effect And A New Treatment To Counter It

Separate studies show that depression can make arthritis pain more severe while a new treatment approach using tai chi can battle depression and facilitate healthful, gentle movement.

By Julie Davis
Food For Better Brain Function: It Starts With Fish!

Studies are preliminary, but food may boost the brain as well as the body. Find a great source of brain food recipes.
Avoiding Elder Financial Abuse

Each year some 2.1 million aging Americans suffer some form of financial, physical, psychological or other abuse. Take these steps to prevent it.
Potential Tax Relief for Caregivers

Learn about tax benefits you may be entitled to if you support your parent.
Tips to Help Seniors Have a Comfortable and Healthy Flight

Make airplane travel less taxing by planning ahead. Get tips to for a healthier flight.

By Steve Barlam
Senior Emergency Departments Deliver The Best Care for Older Americans

With emergency room visits escalating along with the boomer population, a new concept, the Senior ER, is becoming available to meet the health needs of old Americans and offer a better level of care.
Keep Obesity And Knee Osteoarthritis From Shortening Healthy Years Of Life

Obesity and knee osteoarthritis are chronic conditions in older Americans. Take steps to keep them from shortening years of healthy living.

By Julie Davis
A New Standard in Senior Fitness: Resistance Chair Training

Participation in both aerobic and resistance training is a key component for senior well-being. Learn how you can start a home program to stay fit.
Be A Smart Patient: Making Legal Decisions To Protect Yourself And Your Family

Learn how to ensure your end-of-life wishes are met and keep loved ones from having to make these decisions for you if you no longer can.

By Martine Ehrenclou
Reminiscing: A Love Story To Help Older Patients Heal

Helping older patients reminisce helps them heal and helps nursing professionals gain valuable experience. Family members can use this powerful tool, too.
Why Brain Fitness

In this Q&A, neuroscience professor Michael Merzenich, PhD and Chief Scientific Officer of Posit Science explains why brain health is receiving increased attention, the signiﬁcance of new breakthroughs in neuroscience and actual and potential ramiﬁcations of these advances.

By Michael M. Merzenich, PhD
Take a Long Winter’s Nap

We all need more sleep in winter, but sleep problems can mean we end up getting even less. Learn about certain habits that may be keeping you up at night.

By Deborah Quilter
Creating Successful Conversations With Seniors About At-Home Care

As the adult child of a senior, at some point you will likely need to explore the idea of finding at-home care for your parent. Here’s how to have the conversation.

By Steve Barlam
Senior Fitness: Muscle Strength May Stave Off Alzheimer’s And Other Health Issues

Strength training for seniors has cognitive and physical benefits—and it can be easy and fun.

By Julie Davis
2011 Medicare Disenrollment Period: Five Tips Before Changing Plans

Medicare Advantage rules have changed again. Top of the list: You have only until February 14 to make a change.
10 Essential Health Tips For Seniors

Learn about 10 easy health tips for seniors to help baby boomers live longer and thrive.
Health Care Reform And Getting The Care You Need

More seniors need to take advantage of the annual preventive health visit covered by Medicare.
Making Time For Rest With Recovery

Getting back to normal life a quickly as possible is a goal after an illness or injury. But more rest might be what you really need.

By Deborah Quilter
Universal Design: A Growing Trend In Homes

Universal design refers to architectural techniques used to design and build homes that accommodate all lifestyle requirements, young and old.

By Adrian Walter-Ginzburg
Caregiving For A Loved One With MS

Caregiving for a loved one with multiple sclerosis presents different types of challenges. Learn when you might need help to be the best possible caregiver.
Anxiety & Aging: How To Meet The Challenge

Though some people think of anxiety and fear as normal given the circumstances of aging, developing an anxiety disorder late in life is not a normal part of aging.

By Julie Davis
Helping Seniors Get Connected Through Technology

Over the last several years, older adults have been the fastest growing segment of the online population. More and more people over the age of 60 are going online and using Facebook, Google, Yahoo and Youtube.

By Julie Davis
Counting Sheep? Insomnia, Exercise & Longevity

By Carolyn Nutovic
Simple Steps to New Year’s Fitness Designed to Prevent Falls, Increase Mobility

The New Year always brings resolutions and there’s no better time for seniors take steps to avoid falls and remain mobile.

By Steve Barlam
Holiday Sanity: A Healthy Recipe For Senior Fitness

Good lifestyle habits, like regular exercise and enough sleep, will mean a better holiday season for seniors.

By Carolyn Nutovic
Caregivers of Veterans: Facing Greater Stress & More Years Of Care

The first national study to give a voice to family caregivers of veterans reveals that they are twice as likely as family caregivers of adults overall to consider their situation highly stressful

By Julie Davis
Summer House: A Personalized And Caring Approach To Alzheimer’s

Walnut Village is a full-service Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that officially opened in October 2009 in Anaheim, CA.
New Tools To Assess Your Parents’ Driving Ability

Learn the 20 warning signs that older loved ones may need to stop driving.

By Julie Davis
Key Medicare Changes: How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan for You

If you are enrolled in Medicare, now is a good time to review your health and prescription drug coverage—open enrollment for joining or switching Medicare health and drug plans runs through December 31.

By Herman Weil
Osteoarthritis of the Knee: Understanding Treatment Options

Healthy, functioning joints are frequently taken for granted.
Lifestyle Changes Reduce Stroke Risk

New guidelines issued by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association say that people who make healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce stroke risk by 80 percent.

By Julie Davis
Overcome Wandering Worries To Keep Loved Ones at Home Longer

Caring for an ailing loved one can be exhausting—physically, mentally and emotionally—especially for spouses who may be aging as well.
Medicare Enrollment: 5 “Must Do” Actions & 10 Costly Mistakes To Avoid

Medicare open enrollment is underway: Get 15 tips to choose the best plan for you.
Holiday To-Do List Starts With A Family Conversation About Elder Care And A Senior Living Plan

A recent AARP study found that two-thirds of adult children have never had a conversation about long-term care needs with their parents because they don’t know what information their parents need or where to find it.

By Carol Bradley Bursack
Hospital Transition Program Reduces Readmissions By 53 Percent

The US has an 18 percent rate of hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge and an alarming 76 percent of these are preventable, according to the Center for Technology and Aging.
The Long Hello~The Other Side of Alzheimer’s

By Cathie Borrie, RN, BSN, MPH, LLB
Could Your Parents Be At Risk For Catching MRSA?

If your parent is in the hospital, a nursing home or other healthcare facility, he or she may be at risk for contracting MRSA. However, there is something you can do to prevent it from happening to them.

By Martine Ehrenclou
A Model Of Care

Having served the communities of MetroWest Boston for over 100 years, the nurses and clinicians of the Natick Visiting Nurse Association have always sought to help people live longer and sustain a high quality of life while remaining independent in their own homes, for as long as possible.

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