March 22nd is the American Diabetes Association’s alert day, and diabetes is one of several conditions that affects older adults in large numbers. According to the American Diabetes Association, 25% of adults over 60 have diabetes, which can have profound effects on an older adult’s longevity, functional status, and risk for hospitalization. Diabetes is a […]
Last week, I was attending the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine’s Annual Assembly in Orlando, Fla. This brings together people from all the medical disciplines who care for the seriously ill: physicians, nurses, advanced practice nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, social workers, and chaplains. Palliative Care deals with serious illness and the end of life. It […]
I know that February is National Heart Awareness Month, so how does cardiovascular illness affect older adults? Great question! In fact, the leading cause of death in men and women over the age of 65 is heart disease while stroke is in 4th place. The important thing is to be screened and treated for cardiovascular […]
With the new year just beginning, many of us are focusing on the healthy resolutions we have made to ourselves and a renewed commitment to wellness. Since January is Thyroid Awareness month, it may be a good idea to examine the thyroid’s role in health and wellness. Image via medlineplus.gov The thyroid is a […]
Hypothermia, or a body temperature of less than 95 degrees, can be a concern for older adults during the winter months. As we age, our bodies have a more difficult time of regulating our body temperature for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include the medications a person may be taking or their […]
As families gather together to celebrate the holidays, a favorite pastime is selecting a great movie to watch. Though it can be a challenge to find a movie that is enjoyable to adults and children alike, Senior Advisor has put together a list of the most loved Christmas movies that seniors enjoy. This list is […]
My first exposure to gerontology as an academic discipline was about ten years ago when I was working in a small liberal arts college. The school specialized in applying traditional liberal arts education to the contemporary professional work world, and it offered majors like English, history, theology, psychology and business. There were no science or […]
November is Family Stories Month, so take time during this holiday season to sit down with your family and listen to your family’s stories! As your family comes together for holiday celebrations, take the time to ask the older adults in your family about their stories growing up and any interesting family tales they may […]
Good morning! For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved spending time with older adults. Whether it was my grandparents, members of the church, or our neighbors, it was a joy to sit in their presence. I enjoyed listening to their stories, having the benefit their advice. When I decided to become a nurse, […]
Headlines all across the country are reporting the dangers of the opioid epidemic. Opioids are narcotics that are generally prescribed for pain relief, and some argue that over-prescription is at the root of this issue. Although many assume that opioid abuse is occurring in younger individuals, it may be surprising to learn how this epidemic has […]
