The medical term for difficulty with the mechanism and process of swallowing is dysphagia. Dysphagia is a common concomitant of aging, but it also occurs in people of any age who have nerve or muscle problems. The condition is so common that several national support and education foundations are devoted to it. One of them, […]
Did you know that your voice and manner of speaking may change with age? As we age, the reality is that our voices change. Some people also experience changes in their ability to speak and communicate. These changes can make some feel like they are losing their edge, or worse, losing control over an important […]
Hearing changes are normal with advancing age. I’ll admit to having a hearing issue (or “loss”) myself, although it is a result of a past major surgery. I prefer to call it “an issue” or “a loss” rather than a disability; there is something more uplifting and correctable about having “as issue” or “a loss.” […]
Seniors live alone for a number of different reasons. For many, lone living begins after a spouse or partner dies or moves into a facility because of illness or diminished capacity. Life and circumstances don’t always allow the option of moving in with family members or friends. And some seniors simply prefer to live by […]
Are you having trouble getting your senior loved one to eat well? So many issues affect a senior’s appetite, including certain drugs and the decline of their taste buds, according to Medline Plus. Not only do we lose some of our taste buds as we age, but the ones we have left often shrink losing […]
When 911 is called and the emergency medical technicians (EMTs) arrive, the first thing they do is quickly look for a DNR, or Do Not Resuscitate order. They will check for a bracelet or necklace that indicates the wearer has a DNR, or they will check the refrigerator door for a note that indicates a […]
Many people tend to have a relationship with food and eating characterized by a familiar problem: overconsumption. This is particularly true in the United States. Weight gain caused by overeating can lead to a whole host of preventable diseases that can haunt people in later life—including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. (See The Looming Long Term […]
Staying healthy takes a lot of work especially when you get older. A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, good eating habits, proper rest and even a good social network, but now that list includes getting your vaccinations. According to US Department of Health and Human Services, older people should talk to their doctor about the […]