Aging & Geriatrics

Introduction to Aging and Geriatrics

Great improvements in medicine, public health, science, and technology have enabled today’s older Americans to live longer and healthier lives than previous generations. Older adults want to remain healthy and independent at home in their communities. Society wants to minimize the health care and economic costs associated with an increasing older population. The science of aging indicates that chronic disease and disability are not inevitable. As a result, health promotion and disease prevention activities and programs are an increasing priority for older adults, their families, and the health care system.

Aging & Geriatrics — In The News

Researchers Develop Screening for Early Memory Troubles

WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers say they have developed a new scoring system to help identify seniors who are at high risk for memory and thinking problems that might lead to dementia. "Our goal is to identify memory issues at the earliest possible stages," wrote... Read More

Diet Sodas Linked to Widening Waistlines in Seniors: Study

TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- A new study has linked drinking diet sodas to increasing waistlines in seniors. What's more, the study found that the more diet soda someone drank, the more likely they were to add to their waistline. "We're being naive if we only look at... Read More

Early Scans for Back Pain May Do Little to Help Seniors

TUESDAY, March 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Most current guidelines suggest that when seniors report new back pain to their primary care physician they should quickly be sent for diagnostic imaging, such as CT scans or MRIs. But a new study suggests that early imaging may actually be a waste... Read More

Related Questions & Answers

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What Can I Do To Help?

My mother says she hears people talking about her. For instance, she says that my sister calls her names in Spanish and that the neighbors ... Read More
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How Do I Handle My Mother's Decline?

My 87-year old mother has been independent all her life. She’s paid her own bills, managed two homes, lived on her own happily. She’... Read More
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Caught In The Middle Caring For Elderly Parent

Hello, My 88 year old mother lives alone in a beautiful condo that she owns. While still able to care for her own personal needs... Read More

Weblog Entries

When To Help Aging Parents With Healthcare Decisions

Ellen B., 35, was trying to be a responsible adult when deciding to get involved in her parent’s healthcare decisions after her father was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Prior... Read More

Meeting The Challenges Of Long-Distance Caregiving

Every three months, Joan, age 50, of suburban Chicago leaves her husband and two children, ages 14 and 12, to spend several days with her parents who live outside Boston... Read More

Intergenerational Programs: Keeping Seniors Young, Making Youth Wiser

“Are the children coming today?” Ruth, an immaculately dressed senior with styled silver hair inquires of the activities director, who is busily placing crayons, paper, glue and scissors around... Read More