Some older adults have more memory or thinking problems than other adults their age. This condition is called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. There is no single cause of MCI. The risk of developing MCI increases as someone gets older. Conditions such as diabetes, depression, and stroke may increase a person’s risk for MCI. What Are the Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment? The symptoms of MCI are not as severe […]
5 Common Foot Problems and How to Solve Them
With every step, your feet take a pounding equivalent to up to 2.5 times your body weight. After decades of wear and tear, it’s no wonder foot woes start to crop up in your 50s. “Age plus weight plus inappropriate footwear plus genetics equals foot trouble,” says Eric Stamps, dean of the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University. For most foot ailments, […]
The Benefits of a Dry January
’Tis the season to be jolly, but if your cheer this holiday ends up including a little too much eggnog, mulled wine and other tasty spirits, here’s something to consider: Dry January. It’s an increasingly popular practice in which people decide to give up alcohol for the entire month. Some do it as a sort of start-the-year-off-right detox, others […]
Knowing Your Family’s Medical History Can Be a Lifesaver
If you’re looking to spark healthier table conversations at family gatherings, consider turning the talk to just that — health. Family get-togethers are a great opportunity to share information about medical issues among close relatives. What you learn could be vital to a healthy future for all. “Having those conversations, whether it’s done in person or done virtually, is […]
8 Things to Do When You Have the Flu — and 8 Things to Avoid
For plenty of people, the flu is mostly just a nuisance. But that is not the case for older adults. “Even though people over 60 are less than 20 percent of the population, they account for over 80 percent of the serious complications of influenza,” says William Schaffner, M.D., medical director of the National Foundation for […]
10 Early Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore
From age 50 on, it’s not unusual to have occasional trouble finding the right word or remembering where you put things. But persistent difficulty with memory, cognition and ability to perform everyday tasks might be signs of something more serious. What is dementia?Dementia isn’t actually a disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. It’s a catch-all term […]