Dear Allegra: As a caregiver for my 89-year-old father, my days are hectic and long. My dad lives with my husband and me in our home. We both work full-time, in addition to caring for my father. My dad has always had a very cantankerous personality. Unfortunately, that hasn’t mellowed with age. While my father … Continued
Taking care of your elderly loved one is important. But what about taking care of yourself during this difficult time? Studies have shown that family caregivers have a greater risk of developing anxiety, depression, and overall burnout. Respite care can provide temporary relief for in home caregivers so they can rest up and give 100% … Continued
Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte in the body’s cells, organs, and tissues. You can find potassium in foods such as nuts, bananas, tuna, and many more. Older adults need a certain level of potassium in their diet to thrive. However, too much or too little in your diet could be damaging. Understanding the … Continued
Dear Allegra: My mother has been living with one of my sisters for the past year. I have another sister living nearby, too. Between the three of us, we try to share our mother’s care. The sister that our mom lives with is feeling “dumped on” by me and my sister. She is angry and … Continued
What is Gerontology and Geriatrics? It’s easy to mix up gerontology and geriatrics. At first glance, it might even sound like they’re the same thing. Both involve seniors and are among the most important fields in modern medicine. But there is a big difference, and understanding more about it may help you learn how to … Continued
Many older adults experience problems with balance. There are a myriad of causes of balance issues in elderly adults, some treatable, and some with which seniors must simply learn to cope. So what causes loss of balance in the elderly?People generally think balance is controlled by the inner ear, which sends information to the brain … Continued
Dear Allegra: My dad suffered a stroke last year and is still undergoing rehabilitation to return to an independent lifestyle. He has both a physical and an occupational therapist who come to his home a few times a week. To supplement his care, we have hired several independent caregivers. Because we made all of these … Continued
Lung Changes With Age Does age affect lung capacity? In most cases, yes, lung capacity decreases over time. So why is lung capacity decreased in the elderly? The following changes can occur in your lungs as you age: Airways can get smaller. Air sacs may lose their shape. Your diaphragm can get weaker, preventing you … Continued
Pneumonia inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with pus or fluid. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, cough, chills, difficulty breathing, and many others. Pneumonia may be mild for certain populations, but it can be deadly for adults older than 65. Seniors are at a greater … Continued
Can You Die From Dementia? When you think of dementia, symptoms like memory loss and disorientation are probably what come to mind. If that’s the case, it may surprise you to learn that Alzheimer’s and dementia are the sixth leading cause of death in the US. So, how do you die from dementia? The answer … Continued