Better Health While Aging Podcast: Recent Episodes
Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH
A doctor's podcast for older adults and family caregivers, hosted by practicing geriatrics specialist Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH. Learn what really works, when it comes to improving health and wellbeing while aging. Dr. K and her guests discuss common health problems that affect people over age 60, the best ways to prevent and manage those problems, and they also often address common concerns and dilemmas that come up with aging parents. Show notes and related articles are at BetterHealthWhileAging.net. UPDATE July 2019: New episodes to be released once a month for the next few months. We plan to resume publishing every other week later this year.
In This Episode:Dr. K explains how to plan for aging and 3 key things to do, to avoid common aging problems she routinely sees families struggling with. Learn how to prevent and delay common problems, and how to plan for your own more successful aging. She also discusses the most common pathways at the end of life, and how to retain quality of life despite challenges.
She covers:
- Defining successful aging
- Key steps to prepare for successful aging
- The importance of your attitude towards aging
- How to optimize health & prevent problems
- How to plan for interdependence
- What tends to happen in aging
- Common causes of death
- How to plan for interdependence
- If you have aging parents
Related episode:
- 140 – How to Exercise to Age Well
- 138 – How to Promote Brain Health & Memory in Aging
Related Resources:* What is “Successful Aging”? * How to Promote Brain Health:The Healthy Aging Checklist, Part 1 * How to Promote Physical Health While Aging: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 2 * 4 Types of Exercise in Later Life: How to maintain strength, balance, & independence in aging * 7 Commonly Neglected Problems to Address for Healthier Aging: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 3 * How to Age Better by Optimizing Chronic Conditions: The Healthy Aging Checklist Part 4 * 27 Recommended Preventive Health Services for Older Adults: the Healthy Aging Checklist Part 5 * Providing Elder Care: Covering the Cost of Home Care, Assisted Living & Other Options * Advanced care planning conversation guides: * Prepareforyourcare.org * Theconversationproject.org * Plus: Preparefortheircare.org (to help someone else)
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In This Episode:Dr. K talks with social worker Michelle Allen, LCSW, about the different parts of Medicare, what is Medicare Advantage, and how to check your coverage. They also explain Medicare Open Enrollment and what to do during this time, to keep out-of-pocket costs lower for the coming year. In this episode they cover:
- Why check your Medicare coverage
- The basics of Medicare
- Medicare Part A: Inpatient Services Explained
- Medicare Part B: Outpatient Services Overview
- Medicare Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans
- Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
- How to initially enroll in Medicare
- Medigap, Medicaid, and other options
- Why does Medicare Open Enrollment matter?
- Medicare Updates for 2025
- Steps to Take During Open Enrollment
- Resources for Medicare Assistance
Related episode:
- 135 – How to Pay for Elder Care
Related Resources:* Essential Parts of Medicare: The ABCDs to Know & Tips for Open Enrollment * Medicare.gov: Ready to sign up for Part A & Part B * Medicare.gov: Costs of Medicare * Medicare.gov: Avoid late enrollment penalties * What’s Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?
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In This Episode:Dr. K talks about atrial fibrillation (afib) with Cara Pellegrini, MD, a specialist in cardiac electrophysiology and an expert on the Watchman device and other ways to treat this common heart arrhythmia. They cover:
- What is afib & what causes it?
- What are the symptoms of afib & how is it diagnosed?
- How is afib treated?
- What to know about blood-thinners for afib
- Treating afib in frail older adults
- Atrial fibrillation & stroke risk
- Watchman for afib & stroke prevention
- Who should consider Watchman?
- Afib in dementia
- How lifestyle changes can powerfully affect afib
- What to ask doctors about afib
Related episode:
- 016 – 3 Reasons You Should Have a Home Blood Pressure Monitor
Related Resources:* Heart & Rhythm Society: Guide to Atrial Fibrillation * CHA₂DS₂-VASc Score for Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Risk * Dr. Cara Pellegrini’s Watchman Videos
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In This Episode:Dr. K provides an update on COVID so far this year, and explains the available vaccines for the three respiratory viruses likely to be very active this fall and winter: COVID, influenza, and RSV. She also addresses other ways to protect oneself this winter.
She covers:
- 2024 vaccines for older adults
- COVID so far in 2024
- Why COVID remains worse than flu
- COVID vaccines for 2024-25
- Flu vaccines for 2024
- What to know about RSV vaccine
- How to stay healthier this winter
Note: For the masks Dr. K recommends, you can get the 3M V-flex here https://amzn.to/3OxrsRY, and the Powecom KN95 here https://amzn.to/3W9frXf
These are Amazon affiliate links, so any purchases will help support Better Health While Aging, thank you!
Related episode:
134 – COVID & Aging August 2023 Update: Staying Safe, Boosters & More
Related Resources:* BHWA: + COVID & Aging Adults: 2024- 2025 Updates + Flu Shots for Older Adults During COVID Times: What to Know & Do for 2024 + Respiratory Syncytial Virus: What to Know About RSV & RSV Vaccines in Aging * Waste Water: + COVID Wastewaterscan.org * CDC: + COVID Data By Age Group + COVID Hospitalization Tracker + COVID Weekly Death Trends + COVID Variants Trackers + COVID Nursing Home Data Dashboard + Respiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network + Provisional COVID-19 Mortality Surveillance + Severe Viral Respiratory Illness Dashboard + Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel
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In This Episode:Dr. K explains what to know and what to do if you’re concerned about unsafe driving in an older adult, including when driving should stop and what to know if you’re dealing with Alzheimer’s or a related type of dementia. She covers:
- How aging impacts driving abilities
- Common causes of unsafe driving in older adults
- How to make driving safer in aging
- Driving warning signs to look out for
- How Alzheimer’s/dementia affects driving
- When it’s time to stop driving
- What to do if someone won’t stop driving
- How to get help if you’re concerned
- Her approach to driving in aging and in dementia
Related episode:
- 124 – Does Your Aging Parent Need Help? What to check & how to talk about it
Related Resources:* The Hartford: Warning Signs for Driving * NHTSA: Older Drivers Traffic Safety Facts (2022) * American Academy of Neurology: Practice Parameter update: Evaluation and management of driving risk in dementia
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In This Episode:Dr. K explains why the best dose of vitamin D for older adults is lower than you might think. She explains why vitamin D is important and how the latest research suggests that high doses of vitamin D might actually be risky for older adults. This episode covers:
- What is vitamin D
- What is an optimal level of vitamin D
- When to test vitamin D levels
- What is vitamin D deficiency
- Official vitamin D intake recommendations
- Key vitamin D research findings
- Vitamin D and fall prevention
- The vitamin D dose she recommends for older adults
Related episode:
- 138 – How to Promote Brain Health & Memory in Aging
Related Resources: Vitamin D: What to Know (& Why to Be Careful About High Doses) * Vitamin D total unit calculator * NIH: Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals * Scholarly articles:* * The Relationship of Falls With Achieved 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels From Vitamin D Supplementation: The STURDY Trial * Monthly High-Dose Vitamin D Treatment for the Prevention of Functional Decline * Vitamin D supplementation and risk of falling * Medium doses of Vitamin D Decrease Falls and Higher Doses of Daily Vitamin D3 Increase Falls * Effect of High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation on Volumetric Bone Density and Bone Strength * Vitamin D for the Prevention of Disease: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
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In This Episode:Dr. K goes beyond Alzheimer’s and explains what older adults and families should know about the most common types of dementia in older adults. She covers:
- The 4 most common types of dementia in older adults
- How doctors diagnose the specific type of dementia
- Mixed dementia and less common causes of dementia
- The most common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia
- Which types of dementia might be treatable
- Newer types of dementia pathology, such as LATE, hippocampal sclerosis, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy
- Dr. K’s approach to dementia type
Related episode:
- 139 – How to Treat Mild Cognitive Impairment
Related Resources:* Beyond Alzheimer’s: Common Types of Dementia in Aging * Person-specific contribution of neuropathologies to cognitive loss in old age * Religious Orders Study and Rush Memory and Aging Project * The prevalence, correlation, and co-occurrence of neuropathology in old age: harmonisation of 12 measures across six community-based autopsy studies of dementia * Alz.org: Mixed dementia
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In This Episode:Dr. K explains how exercise helps older adults maintain strength and independence, and covers the four types of exercise all older adults should be doing regularly. She also discusses why walking isn’t enough, how to avoid injuries and special situations in geriatrics, such as exercising when an older person is frail or has Alzheimer’s. This episode covers:
- The benefits of exercise in aging
- Is walking good exercise?
- Strength training in aging
- Aerobic exercise in aging
- Balance exercises for seniors
- Flexibility exercises in aging
- Best exercises for fall prevention
- How to start and maintain an exercise routine
- Managing risks of exercise and avoiding injuries
- Exercise to counter frailty and sarcopenia
- Exercise when there’s Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Getting someone else to exercise
- The role of protein and strength training
Related episodes: How to Improve Brain Health in Aging
138 – How to Promote Brain Health & Memory in Aging
005 – Interview: Otago & Proven Exercises for Fall Prevention
Related Resources:* 4 Types of Exercise in Later Life: How to maintain strength, balance, & independence in aging * Videos Illustrating Otago Exercises for Fall Prevention * National Council on Aging: Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs * National Institute on Aging: Four Types of Exercise Can Improve Your Health and Physical Ability * Nutrition Needs for Older Adults: Protein
Other references and resources:
- Even a low-dose of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reduces mortality by 22% in adults aged ≥60 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- The Role of Muscle Mass Gain Following Protein Supplementation Plus Exercise Therapy in Older Adults with Sarcopenia and Frailty Risks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Randomized Trials
- Effectiveness of Whey Protein Supplementation during Resistance Exercise Training on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength in Older People with Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Nutritional Interventions: Dietary Protein Needs and Influences on Skeletal Muscle of Older Adults
- Protein Intake and Frailty: A Matter of Quantity, Quality, and Timing
- Ask the doctor: Stretching before exercise
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In This Episode:Dr. Kernisan explains what all older adults and families should know about the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a common memory condition that affects 20-25% of older adults. She discusses scientifically tested approaches to treating and managing MCI and improving brain health, including the role of medications, supplements, treating hearing loss, exercise and more. In this episode, she covers:
- What is MCI
- How MCI is related to Alzheimer’s and dementia
- What to do if you suspect MCI
- Scientifically proven approaches to treating and managing MCI
- What to know about the “Bredesen protocol” for MCI
- What to know about Leqembi and anti-amyloid treatments for Alzheimer’s
- How Dr. K treats MCI
- Common MCI pitfalls to avoid
Related episode:
- 138 – How to Promote Brain Health & Memory in Aging
- 069 – Evaluating Memory & Thinking Problems: 10 Causes & 10 Things to Check
Related Resources:Useful references and resources:
- Alzheimers.gov: Find Clinical Trials
- BHWA: How to Diagnose & Treat Mild Cognitive Impairment
Scholarly resources:
- Estimating the Prevalence of Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment in the US: The 2016 Health and Retirement Study Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol Project (2022)
- Revised Criteria for Diagnosis and Staging of Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s Association Workgroup
- Practice guideline update summary: Mild cognitive impairment: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology
- Association of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants With Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- A 2 year multidomain intervention of diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk monitoring versus control to prevent cognitive decline in at-risk elderly people (FINGER): a randomised controlled trial (2015)
- Effects of Exercise Alone or Combined With Cognitive Training and Vitamin D Supplementation to Improve Cognition in Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Clinical Trial (2023)
- Lifestyle Risk Factors and Cognitive Outcomes from the Multidomain Dementia Risk Reduction Randomized Controlled Trial, Body Brain Life for Cognitive Decline (BBL-CD) (2020)
- Effect of Personalized Risk-Reduction Strategies on Cognition and Dementia Risk Profile Among Older Adults: The SMARRT Randomized Clinical Trial (2024)
- Effectiveness of a 6-year multidomain vascular care intervention to prevent dementia (preDIVA): a cluster-randomised controlled trial (2016)
- Lecanemab in Early Alzheimer’s Disease (2023)
Critiques of the Bredesen protocol:
- Can we trust The End of Alzheimer’s?
- Bredesen Protocol offers false hope of reversing Alzheimer’s disease
- Scholarly description of the Bredesen protocol: Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease: Successful Pilot Project (note: ages of included patients were 50-76, with MoCA at least 19)
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In This Episode:Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, explains the best ways to boost brain health in aging, to help memory and thinking, as well as to prevent cognitive decline. Learn which approaches geriatricians find most effective, plus which vitamins and supplements are likely to help. Dr. K also covers emotional well-being in aging, and how this affects cognitive health.
Topics discussed:
- Helping older adults maintain brain health and memory
- Why promote your brain health
- The difference between normal and abnormal brain changes with aging
- FAQ: How to know what’s happening in your brain
- Why emotional well-being matters
- 3 key ways to boost brain health
- How to be positive about your aging
- What’s good for brain health
- What’s bad for brain health
- If you’re worried about someone else’s brain
Related episode:
- 073 – Anticholinergic Medications & Protecting Brain Health
Related Resources:* How to Promote Brain Health: The Healthy Aging Checklist, Part 1 * 4 Types of Brain-Slowing Medication to Avoid if You’re Worried About Memory * Scholarly references: * Role of Positive Age Beliefs in Recovery From Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Older Persons (2023) * Subliminal strengthening: improving older individuals’ physical function over time with an implicit-age-stereotype intervention (2014) * Vitamin D Supplements and Prevention of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease (2019) * Marine n-3 Fatty Acids and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer (2019) * Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation, Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation, or a Strength-Training Exercise Program on Clinical Outcomes in Older Adults: The DO-HEALTH Randomized Clinical Trial (2020) * Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: results from the clinic subcohort of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of 3 cognitive studies within COSMOS (2024) * Long-Term Cannabis Use and Cognitive Reserves and Hippocampal Volume in Midlife (2022)
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In This Episode:Geriatrician Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, teams up with her trusted geriatric care manager colleague Michelle Allen, LCSW, to explain how Aging Life Care Professionals (also known as geriatric care managers) can help older adults and their families. They cover:
- Why geriatricians love geriatric care managers
- Aging Life Care Professionals vs Geriatric Care Managers
- What is an Aging Life Care Professional & how do they help
- How to find an Aging Life Care Professional
- What is a certified or professional geriatric care manager?
- Other types of eldercare experts
- How to hire an Aging Life Care Professional
Related episode:
- 135 – How to Pay for Elder Care
Related Resources:* Providing Elder Care: Covering the Cost of Home Care, Assisted Living & Other Options * Hiring In-Home Caregivers for Aging in Place * Find an Aging Life Care Expert * Learn more about getting help from Dr. K & Michelle here: Helping Older Parents Online Courses & Programs.
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In This Episode:Geriatrician Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, explains 8 things health providers should check after an older person falls, to prevent future dangerous falls in aging. In this episode:
- Why it’s vital to be proactive after a fall
- Why you should learn the 8 things Dr. K checks after a fall
- Why checking BP sitting and standing is so important
- The most useful blood tests to consider
- Medications that can worsen falls
- How to check gait and balance
- Additional referrals to consider
Related episode:
- 034 – Preventing Falls: 10 Types of Medication to Reconsider
Related Resources:* 8 Things to Have the Doctor Check After an Aging Person Falls * Preventing Falls: 10 Types of Medications to Review if You’re Concerned About Falling
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In This Episode:Geriatrician Dr. Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH, teams up with experienced geriatric care manager Michelle Allen, LCSW, to discuss a common FAQ: how to pay for elder care. They cover
- What types of help do elders usually need
- What are the options for eldercare?
- How much does eldercare cost?
- How to pay for eldercare?
- What to know about long-term care insurance
- How Medicaid pays for eldercare
Related episode:
- 096 – Interview: Paying for Long-Term Care: 2019 Updates
Related Resources:* Hiring In-Home Caregivers for Aging in Place- What to Know: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/hiring-home-care-for-aging-in-place/ * Caring for an aging parent? Learn about Dr. K’s Helping Older Parents programs here: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/helping-older-parents/
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Dr. K covers the recent rise in COVID, the new variant, and the upcoming booster. Plus FAQs such as whether to get boosted now or wait.
Dr. K covers the latest on COVID in the US now, how to follow COVID levels, updates on COVID boosters, how to know if you still should take precautions, tips on staying safe for the summer, and more.
Dr. K discusses the latest COVID news for 2023, including what’s most important for aging adults and their families to know for the spring. She also covers the problem of doctors inappropriately not prescribing Paxlovid (the best treatment if an older adult does catch COVID), and how to advocate to get it successfully.
In this episode:
- The current COVID & flu situation (cases & hospitalizations)
- About the new Covid variant XBB.1.5
- What the public health emergency ending will mean for you
- How to know if you need to worry about COVID
- What to know about COVID reinfections
- If you’re high risk and need to avoid catching COVID
- Update on the bivalent COVID booster
- When can you get your next COVID booster?
- Update on masks to prevent COVID
- COVID symptoms in 2023
- The best treatment for COVID (Paxlovid) & an FDA checklist that can help you get it
- Summary of what to know for COVID in Spring 2023
Note: For the masks Dr. K recommends, you can get 3M Aura here https://amzn.to/3PJJyRO, the 3M V-flex here https://amzn.to/3OxrsRY, and the Powecom KN95 here https://amzn.to/3W9frXf
These are Amazon affiliate links, so any purchases will help support Better Health While Aging, thank you!
Related Episodes:131 – COVID Update for Aging Adults (12.8.22 Edition)
Related Resources: BHWA: + COVID & Aging Adults: 2023 & 2022 Updates + COVID Vaccination for Aging Adults: What to Know & Do * To track COVID data: + NY Times COVID Tracker + Wastewater: - CDC Wastewater Surveillance - Biobot.io wastewater tracker + Walgreens Test Positivity Tracker + OurWorldInData.org Coronavirus Data Explorer + CDC Nursing Home Covid-19 Data Dashboard + CDC Variant Proportion Tracker + CDC COVID cases and deaths by vaccine status * CDC & FDA information referenced in this update: + FDA: PAXLOVID Patient Eligibility Screening Checklist Tool for Prescribers* + CDC: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Presentation Slides: February 22-24, 2023 Meeting - Updates to COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in the United States + FDA: Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee January 26, 2023 Meeting + Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report + CDC: RSV National Trends * From medical journals and research groups: + NIH COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines: Molnupiravir + Molnupiravir plus usual care versus usual care alone as early treatment for adults with COVID-19 at increased risk of adverse outcomes (PANORAMIC): an open-label, platform-adaptive randomised controlled trial (12/22/22) + Lancet: Past SARS-CoV-2 infection protection against re-infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2/16/23) + Cochrane: Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses (1/30/23) - See related commentary: Multiple studies show that face masks reduce the spread of COVID-19; a Cochrane review doesn t demonstrate otherwise + Paxlovid Associated with Decreased Hospitalization Rate Among Adults with COVID-19 United States, April September 2022 12/2/22 * From news and other media: + What Not to Ask Me About My Long COVID (2/15/23) + PBS/KQED: When Can I Get a Second Bivalent COVID Booster? Here’s What We Know Right Now (2/22/23) + KFF.org The End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Details on Health Coverage and Access - More detailed: What Happens When COVID-19 Emergency Declarations End? Implications for Coverage, Costs, and Access * For masking, ventilation COVID transmission information: + Masks Dr. K uses: - 3M V-flex N95 - 3M Aura N95 - Powecom KN95 + Project N95 + Twitter resources - @joeyfox85 - @masknerd
Never Miss an Episode! Sign up here to be notified of our latest podcast episodes by emailThe post 132 COVID 2023 News Update for Aging Adults (2.23.23 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K discusses what aging adults & families should know about COVID and flu this winter.
She covers:
- The currently increasing rates of COVID & flu
- What to know about the new Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1
- How well the fall COVID bivalent booster is working so far
- How to avoid getting sick and how to gather safely
- When to mask and how to do so effectively
- Why use a HEPA air purifier at home and how to choose one
- How to detect COVID now
- How to treat COVID
- Her top recommendations for staying safe during winter gatherings
Note: you can get the CO2 monitor Dr. K refers to here: https://amzn.to/3yhDtq8.
For the masks Dr. K is using, you can get 3M Aura here https://amzn.to/3PJJyRO, the 3M V-flex here https://amzn.to/3OxrsRY, and the Powecom KN95 here https://amzn.to/3W9frXf
Dr. K’s HEPA air purifier is here https://amzn.to/3Y96crN
These are Amazon affiliate links, so any purchases will help support Better Health While Aging, thank you!
Related Episodes:130 COVID Booster Update for Aging Adults (9.7.22 Edition)
Related Resources:* BHWA: + COVID & Aging Adults: 2022 Updates + COVID Vaccination for Aging Adults: What to Know & Do * To track COVID data: + NY Times COVID Tracker + Wastewater: - CDC Wastewater Surveillance - Biobot.io wastewater tracker + Walgreens Test Positivity Tracker + OurWorldInData.org Coronavirus Data Explorer + CDC Nursing Home Covid-19 Data Dashboard + CDC Variant Proportion Tracker + CDC COVID cases and deaths by vaccine status * CDC Datasets in this update: + Effectiveness of Bivalent mRNA Vaccines in Preventing Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection Increasing Community Access to Testing Program, United States, September November 2022 + Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report + CDC Influenza Hospitalization Rates * From medical journals and research groups: + Low neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.75.2, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1 by parental mRNA vaccine or a BA.5-bivalent booster (12/6/22) + Effect of hybrid immunity and bivalent booster vaccination on omicron sublineage neutralisation (12/5/22) + Paxlovid Associated with Decreased Hospitalization Rate Among Adults with COVID-19 United States, April September 2022 12/2/22 * From news and other media: + Indoor pandemic : An engineer on how to clean the air you breathe * For masking, ventilation COVID transmission information: + Masks Dr. K uses: - 3M V-flex N95 - 3M Aura N95 - Powecom KN95 + Project N95 + Twitter resources - @joeyfox85 - @masknerd - @marwa_zaatari + CDC Interactive ventilation tool + CleanAirCrew.org Portable Air Cleaner Buying Guide - Air Cleaners dataset + The Corsi-Rosenthal Box: DIY Box Fan Air Filter for COVID-19 and Wildfire Smoke
Never Miss an Episode! Sign up here to be notified of our latest podcast episodes by emailThe post 131 COVID Update for Aging Adults (12.8.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K covers what to know about the new Omicron booster for fall, upcoming variants on the horizon, the data on who remains at risk for dying from COVID, and what she thinks people should expect for the fall. The post 130 COVID Booster Update for Aging Adults (9.7.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K covers what to know about Omicron BA.5, the data on 1st and 2nd boosters, what to know about Paxlovid rebound, what precautions she recommends for aging adults, and more. The post 129 COVID Update for Aging Adults (7.21.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains why the current rise in COVID Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 warrants taking sensible precautions, how to use masking, ventilation, and testing, and how older adults can live with COVID while avoiding excess risks. The post 128 COVID Update for Aging Adults (5.5.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K's latest COVID update covers the ebbing of the Omicron surge, what to know about the stealth Omicron BA.2, what might come next, how to live with COVID safely, and more. The post 127 COVID Update for Aging Adults (2.24.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K provides an update on the Omicron surge, including whether it's milder in older adults, how to use rapid tests now, what to know about Paxlovid, and how to stay safer during the current surge. The post 126 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (1.6.22 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K provides updated information on Omicron and the current COVID surge, how well vaccines are working in different age groups, why she recommends boosters, how to stay safe during the holidays, and more. The post 125 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (12.16.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains how to know if an aging parent needs help, specific warning signs to check for, and what to say (and not say!) when bringing up your concerns. This approach can be used when visiting an older parent, especially if they're showing signs of memory loss or declines in independence. The post 124 Does Your Aging Parent Need Help? What to check & how to talk about it appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K provides updated information on how well COVID vaccines work over time, the recently approved COVID boosters, what to know about rapid home COVID testing, how to stay safe during the holidays, and more. The post 123 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (10.28.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K provides updated information on the current Delta variant surge, the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccination for older adults, including information on the latest on boosters and how to know what precautions to take right now. The post 122 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (9.9.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K provides updated information on the current Delta variant surge, the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccination for older adults, including information on the latest CDC data and guidance. She explains why she thinks resuming masking is wise and also addresses FAQs about coronavirus vaccination. The post 121 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (7.29.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Geriatrician Dr. Didyk explains how depression is diagnosed and treated in later life, why depression can be harder to diagnose in older adults, medical conditions that can mimic depression, and more. The post 120 Depression in Aging: Diagnosis & Treatment appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K provides updated information on the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccination for older adults, including information on breakthrough infections in nursing homes & the latest CDC data and guidance. She also addresses FAQs about coronavirus vaccination. The post 119 Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (5.14.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K provides updated information on the effectiveness and safety of COVID vaccination for older adults, including information on the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. She also addresses FAQs about coronavirus vaccination. The post 118 Updates: COVID Vaccination in Aging (3.26.21 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Geriatrician Dr. Didyk explains what to know about leg swelling in aging, including common causes, when to get urgent help, and how to treat chronic leg edema. The post 117 Leg Swelling in Aging: What to Know & Do appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks about what is in her new book for people worried about an aging parent, and her step-by-step approach to addressing memory concerns or safety worries, while respecting a parent s autonomy and dignity. Featuring fellow geriatrician Dr. Nicole Didyk, who recently found the book useful as she s been helping her own aging parents. The post 116 – Interview: Dr. K s New Book: When Your Aging Parent Needs Help appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K discussed the new Pfizer COVID vaccine and the data on how well it works in older adults, especially those over age 75. She also explains how to go beyond media reports to find out more vaccine information specific to aging adults. The post 115 COVID Vaccination in Aging (12.17.20 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K shares an update on the COVID-19 for older adults & people helping aging parents, including developments in treatment, what to know about the ongoing surge, the progress on vaccines, how to stay safe during the holidays, and more. The post 114 Coronavirus Updates & Suggestions (11.18.20 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with geriatrician Dr. Nicole Didyk about urinary continence issues in aging. They discuss common causes geriatricians check for, what to know about medications and other treatments, how to manage incontinence in people with dementia, and much more. The post 113 Interview: Urinary Incontinence In Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains what to know about the new flu shots available for aging adults in 2020, plus what we know about influenza and COVID-19. She covers the basics of falling ill from influenza, how the vaccines work, which flu shots are specifically designed for older adults, which one she thinks is best for most aging adults, what to do if your older relative is refusing the flu shot, and much more. The post 112 Flu Shots for Older Adults in COVID Times: What to Know (2020 Update) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K shares her latest update on COVID19, including whether we are better at treatment and recommendations for older adults and families. The post 111 Coronavirus Updates & Suggestions (7.16.20 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K shares her updates on how the COVID19 situation has evolved, plus her recommendations for balancing safety and activity during the upcoming months. The post 110 Coronavirus Updates & Suggestions (6.11.20 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K discusses COVID with Dr. Karl Steinberg, an experienced nursing home medical director and the President-Elect of the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. They discuss how COVID has affected nursing homes so far, and how we can move forward to address safety and wellbeing for long-term care residents, during pandemic times. The post 109 Interview: Nursing Homes & Other Long-Term Care During COVID Times appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K and guest experts Dr. Nicole Didyk and Richard Caro, PhD, answer reader questions about aging health during COVID times, including how to maintain physical and mental wellbeing during isolation and much more. The post 108 Live QA: Aging Health in COVID Times appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with geriatrician Muriel Gillick MD about her latest book, The Caregiver's Encylopedia: A Compassionate Guide to Caring for Older Adults. The post 107 Interview: A Guide to Better Medical Care for Families of Aging Adults appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K shares her updates on how the COVID19 situation has evolved, including what she's learned about the condition, what to know about hospitalization and care options, and more. The post 106 Coronavirus Updates & Suggestions (3.27.20 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K shares her updates on how the COVID19 situation has evolved, implications for older adults and families, plus suggestions on helping aging parents, helpful resources, and more. The post 105 Coronavirus Updates & Suggestions (3.20.20 Edition) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K shares the COVID19 information and recommendations she presented this week in the Helping Older Parents Membership, plus answers to member questions about preparing themselves and protecting their aging parents. The post 104 Coronavirus Special: Planning to Help Aging Parents (Plus Q&A) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with geriatrician Dr. Nicole Didyk about what she learned from a geriatric sex therapist, and how sex can be better in later life. They discuss common issues that come up, what can be done, how being a hands-on caregiver can affect sex, sexuality in dementia, and much more. The post 103 Interview: Better Sex in Later Life appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Kerry Byrne, PhD, a researcher and the creator of TheLongDistanceGrandparent.com. They discuss the importance of intergenerational connections and of grandparents in particular, plus practical tips on staying more connected to grandchildren and people of other generations. The post 102 Interview: The Importance of Grandparents & Intergenerational Connections appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Linda Fodrini-Johnson, a veteran geriatric care manager providing guidance in Dr. K s Helping Older Parents Membership Program. They discuss practical approaches to help families avoid common conflicts that come up during the holidays. They also discuss adapting the holidays for aging parents with dementia. The post 101 Interview: Avoiding Holiday Pitfalls with Aging Parents appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with geriatrician Bill Thomas, founder of Changing Aging. They discuss how his work on ageism, housing and inclusive communities has evolved over the past year. They also discuss his work with home health providers, his own move to a smaller house, and much more. The post 100 Interview: Bill Thomas on Ageism, Housing & Changing Aging in 2019 appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains what all older adults and family caregivers should know about the annual flu shot, with updates for 2019. She covers the basics of falling ill from influenza, how the vaccines work, which flu shots are specifically designed for older adults, which one she thinks is best for most aging adults, what to do if your older relative is refusing the flu shot, and much more. The post 099 Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know (2019 Update) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with geriatric care manager Michelle Allen, LCSW, about common misunderstandings people have about their Medicare coverage and what to know about Open Enrollment. Michelle is a featured expert providing guidance in Dr. K's Helping Older Parents Membership Community. She explains how your plan affects your access to certain services, how to know whether to consider switching, and much more. The post 098 Interview: Medicare Open Enrollment: What to Know & When to Switch appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with elder law attorney Mark Gilfix, JD, about common legal issues that may come up when trying to help an aging parent, and how to manage them. The post 097 Interview: Common Elder Law Issues When Helping Aging Parents appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Howard Gleckman, a family caregiving and long-term care insurance expert. They discuss long-term care insurance, family caregiving, the struggles many older adults and families face in paying for late-life care, and much more. They also discuss Washington State s new public long-term care plan and other developments that might make services available to more people. The post 096 Interview: Paying for Long-Term Care: 2019 Updates appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Meg Wallhagen, PhD, about hearing aids and other ways to help people with hearing loss. They cover the role of audiology, key questions to ask, who shouldn t get a hearing aid, other treatment options, and much more. The post 095 Interview: Hearing Aids & Other Hearing Loss Treatment Options appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Meg Wallhagen, PhD, about the importance of addressing hearing loss in aging and how it should be evaluated. They also discuss why it s often hard to get older adults to address hearing loss, and how Professor Wallhagen s educational brochure can help. The post 094 Interview: Hearing Loss in Aging: Why It Matters & Getting Evaluated appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with geriatric care manager Michelle Allen, LCSW, about what families should know when trying to get in-home care to help an older person with aging in place. Michelle is a featured expert providing guidance in Dr. K's Helping Older Parents Membership Community. She explains how such care is paid for, whether to hire privately or through an agency, and much more. The post 093 Interview: Hiring In-Home Care for Aging in Place: What to Know appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Dr. Shachi Tyagi about nighttime urination and sleep issues in older adults. They discuss how these two common conditions are related, better ways to evaluate and treat them, how they relate to falls, and much more. The post 092- Interview: Addressing Nighttime Urination & Insomnia in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with David Godfrey, JD, about drafting powers of attorney to deter exploitation or abuse of an older person s finances. They discuss six steps the American Bar Association recommends older adults take when drafting a POA, how these can reduce family conflict, finding affordable legal assistance, and much more. The post 091 Interview: Reducing the Risk of Power of Attorney Abuse appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K discusses risky medications and the 2019 Beers Criteria in more details, with a focus on which drugs are most important for older adults to be aware of. She also shares 5 ways you can be proactive, and her favorite resources to help deprescribe risky medications The post 090 More on Avoiding Risky Medications & on Using the 2019 AGS Beers Criteria appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K shares a personal story and explains why it's so important to address advance care planning, which is meant to provide others with guidance, since most of us will at some point be unable to make our own healthcare decisions. She covers key steps to take, two free online tools that make the process much easier, common pitfalls to avoid, and much more. The post 089 Giving Yourself (And Your Family) a Gift on National Healthcare Decisions Day appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Dr. Michael Steinman about risky medications in older adults and how to ensure safer prescribing. They also discuss the 2019 update to the Beers Criteria list of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults, which Dr. Steinman helped author. The post 088 Interview: Avoiding Inappropriate Prescribing in Aging & What to Know About the Beers Criteria appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Barbara Kane, author of Coping with Your Difficult Older Parent, about how to help an aging parent who is difficult or stressful to engage with. The post 087- Interview: Coping with Difficult Older Parents appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with geriatrician Stephanie Rogers about new UCSF programs that make hospital care better and safer for older adults. They cover Acute Care for Elders units, delirium reduction, hip fracture care, and much more. The post 086 – Interview: Creating Age-Friendly Health Systems at UCSF appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains the 4 most common blood tests ordered for older adults: what they are, why they are commonly ordered and what they can tell us about a person's health. She also covers what to ask, when discussing your results with your health providers. The post 085 Understanding Lab Tests: 4 Common Blood Tests for Older Adults appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with neurologist Fanny Elahi, MD PhD, an expert on white matter changes and cerebral small vessel disease. They discuss why these brain changes are so common in aging, how they can affect memory and balance, how they relate to vascular dementia, what's known about prevention and treatment, and much more. The post 084 Interview: Understanding White Matter Changes in the Aging Brain appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with ChangingAging s Kavan Peterson about working with Dr. Bill Thomas to create dementia-friendly communities, disrupting ageism, why housing and multigenerational interactions matter, and much more. The post 083 Interview: Disrupting Dementia and Creating Dementia-Friendly Communities appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with geriatrician Bill Thomas, founder of Changing Aging. They discuss his recent focus on housing and communities as engines of independence in aging, through the Minka house and MAGIC community concept. They also discuss ageism, whether to age in place, and much more. The post 082- Interview: Bill Thomas on Housing & Communities as Engines of Independence in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K discusses how older adults can plan for their own aging needs with expert Carol Levine, Director of the Families and Health Care Project at the United Hospital Fund of New York and author of "Navigating Your Later Years For Dummies." They cover whether to plan to age in place, what's most important to tell your family, options for getting long-term care services, and much more. The post 081 Interview: How to Plan Ahead for Your Later Years appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Richard Caro about his recent in-depth analysis and testing of 4 smartwatches as medical alert devices for older adults. They discuss the new fall detection built into the Apple Watch 4, key features to consider, whether these are suitable for people with dementia, and much more. The post 080 Interview: Smartwatches as Medical Alert Devices (What to Know & How to Choose) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K addresses an older parent's concerns and frustrations regarding her son's attempts to help her with her health, and their differing views on what she needs. She covers how to help family understand your priorities, how to discuss what matters most, how to negotiate a better approach, and much more. The post 079 QA: Advice for Older Parents Frustrated by Their Family’s Concerns appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with geroscientist John Newman, MD PhD, about aging as a biological process that can be affected by diet, metabolism, and much more. They discuss Dr. Newman's research on ketogenic diets and memory in mice, applying geroscience to treat age-related problems, and much more. The post 078 Interview: The Biology of Aging & Longevity appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Rebecca Sudore, MD, an expert on end-of-life planning and the creator of PrepareForYourCare.org. They discuss why talking about what matters is so important, easy-to-read advance directives and other tools Dr. Sudore has developed, how to help reluctant older adults address advance care planning, and much more. The post 077 Interview: Making Advance Care Planning Easier Through PREPARE appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains what all older adults and family caregivers should know about the annual flu shot, with updates for 2018. She covers the basics of falling ill from influenza, how the vaccines work, which flu shots are specifically designed for older adults, which one she thinks is best for most aging adults, what to do if your older relative is refusing the flu shot, and much more. The post 076 Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know (2018 Update) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K reviews her four most used fall prevention approaches, which are routine in geriatrics care but are often overlooked by busy primary care providers. She also covers recent research on the benefits of Tai Chi, and explains why vitamin D is no longer recommended for fall prevention. The post 075 Preventing Falls: 4 Approaches to Ask Your Doctor About appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Berkeley's Professor Andrew Scharlach about the Village model and community-based approaches to aging in place. They discuss the unique aspects of the Village model, the related research on how Villages seem to benefit older adults, and much more. The post 074 Interview: How the Village Model Supports Aging in Place & Community appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains what older adults and families should know about anticholinergic medications and their negative impact on brain health. Many commonly used over-the-counter and prescription medications are anticholinergic, and on the Beer's List of Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or Use With Caution. Learn about seven often-used types of medication that are anticholinergic, who should particularly be careful about these medications, what to do if you're taking them, and more. The post 073 Anticholinergic Medications & Protecting Brain Health appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains six ways that memory and thinking change, as part of normal cognitive aging. She also covers the practical implications of such changes, sensible ways to maintain brain function, problems that should never be considered normal, and much more. The post 072 Cognitive Aging: How Memory & Thinking Change as One Gets Older appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Sei Lee, MD, an expert on prognosis and using estimated life expectancy to improve medical care for older adults. They discuss mortality calculators, how to focus medical care on what matters most to older people, why diabetes care and certain forms of prevention should often be reconsidered, and much more. The post 071 Interview: How Estimating Life Expectancy Helps Older Adults Get Better Care appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with attorney Candace Heisler, JD, an expert on addressing financial exploitation and other forms of elder abuse. They discuss common ways in which older adults are often financially abused, the role of trust and relationships, what can be done if you suspect financial abuse, and much more. The post 070 Interview: Addressing & Preventing Financial Exploitation in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains 10 things health providers should do, during the initial medical evaluation of an older person with memory or thinking problems. She also covers ten common health issues that can affect cognition, what to expect from the evaluation, and more. The post 069 Evaluating Memory & Thinking Problems: 10 Causes & 10 Things to Check appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Richard Caro about the Longevity Explorers meetings, in which older adults discuss technology, common challenges, and their favorite solutions. They discuss what happens when older people meet in such peer groups, the benefits of involving them in codesigning innovations, and much more. The post 068 Interview: Putting Older Adults at the Center of Technology Conversations appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Paula Spencer Scott, author of the practical guide "Surviving Alzheimer s." They discuss how family caregivers can learn to manage difficult dementia behaviors, to maintain their sanity and better care for a loved one while minimizing risky medication use. They also cover a 7-step process that can be used to work through common problem situations. The post 067 Interview: Managing Difficult Alzheimer’s Behaviors Without Medications appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K discusses self-neglect in aging with Dr. Aanand Naik, a geriatrician with a special interest in this topic. They discuss how potential self-neglect can be detected, what it means to have the capacity for self-care and self-protection, what to do if you're concerned about a relative or neighbor, the role of Adult Protective Services, and much more. The post 066 Interview: Addressing Potential Self-Neglect in Older Adults appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
For Older Americans Month, Dr. K reflects on what it means to successfully age, the role of resilience and adaptation, and how we might help support older adults in this. The post 065 Reconsidering “Successful Aging” appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains how older adults and families can prevent and manage constipation, including how to safely and effectively use over-the-counter laxatives. She also covers how constipation should be evaluated, medications that make it worse, the benefits of prunes and other lifestyle changes, and much more. The post 064 What to Know About Constipation & Laxatives appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K shares a personal story and explains why it's so important to address advance care planning, which is meant to provide others with guidance, since most of us will at some point be unable to make our own healthcare decisions. She covers key steps to take, two free online tools that make the process much easier, common pitfalls to avoid, and much more. The post 063 Giving Yourself (And Your Family) a Gift on National Healthcare Decisions Day appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with geriatrician Sharon Inouye, MD MPH, nationally-known expert on delirium, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Director of the Aging Brain Center at the Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife. They discuss how to prevent and treat delirium, how it's related to dementia, how to maintain brain health while aging, and much more. The post 062 Interview: Preventing Hospital Delirium & Maintaining Brain Health appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Mary Hulme, a geriatric social worker specialized in dementia. They discuss how new technologies can help families address safety issues while encouraging autonomy and otherwise respecting an older person's goals. The post 061 Interview: Using Technology to Balance Safety & Autonomy in Dementia appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with caregiving expert Carol Levine, Director of the Families and Health Care Project at the United Hospital Fund of New York. They discuss negotiating caregiving expectations with hospital staff and older loved ones, setting limits, getting help, and much more. The post 060 Interview: Negotiating Family Caregiving Expectations After Hospitalization appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Howard Gleckman, a family caregiving and long-term care insurance expert. They discuss long-term care insurance, family caregiving, the struggles many older adults and families face in paying for late-life care, and much more. The post 059 Interview: Long-Term Care Insurance & Financing Late-Life Care Needs appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains why influenza is easily missed in older adults and what families can do, to help their older loved ones get promptly diagnosed and treated before it's too late. She covers why flu symptoms are often different in aging people, the latest CDC recommendations, what to know about flu tests and treatment, and much more. The post 058 Avoiding Missed Flu in Older Adults appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains what to know and do about cardiovascular risk factors, which often contribute to cerebral small vessel disease, a common brain health problem in older adults. She covers 12 key factors to discuss with healthcare providers, and 5 top approaches that most aging adults can use, to decrease their cardiovascular risk. The post 057 How to Manage Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Better Brain Health appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K shares her top ten aging health suggestions, for older adults and families to consider for the New Year. Her suggestions cover mobility, brain health, medication safety, dreaming big, and more. The post 056 Top 10 Checklist for Better Health This Year appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with geriatrician Bill Thomas, MD, founder of the Eden Alternative and aging innovator extraordinaire. They discuss aging, how to counter ageism, his latest projects centered on housing and fostering independence, and much more. The post 055 Interview: Bill Thomas on Ageism & Innovations to Improve Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K discusses a reader's dilemma concerning his resistant 96-year-old father, and explains how using two foundational concepts -- goals of care, and weighing benefits versus burdens -- can help families work through difficult decisions. Plus tips on addressing difficult aging topics with older relatives. The post 054 How to Make Difficult Decisions Easier: Using Goals of Care & Weighing Benefits vs Burdens appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Carla Perissinotto, MD, a nationally known expert on loneliness in aging. They discuss how loneliness and social isolation impact health, what to do if you're concerned about an older person, available programs and services to reduce isolation, how to plan ahead for socially connected aging, and much more. The post 053 Interview: Addressing Loneliness in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Tiffany Shubert, a physical therapist and fall prevention expert. They discuss several common questions related to exercise and aging, including what types are best, whether chair and water exercises prevent falls, what to know about canes and walkers, and much more. The post 052 Maintaining Mobility & Preventing Falls in Aging: Myths & Truths appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Anne Tumlinson, founder of Daughterhood.org. They discuss what families struggle with the most, the upcoming Aging 2.0 Optimize Conference, promising innovations to help family caregivers and older adults, and more. The post 051 Interview: Innovations to Help Older Adults & Family Caregivers appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains what all older adults and family caregivers should know about the annual flu shot. She covers the basics of falling ill from influenza, how the vaccines work, which flu shots are specifically designed for older adults, which one she thinks is best for most aging adults, what to do if your older relative is refusing the flu shot, and much more. The post 050 Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Griffin Myers, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Oak Street Health, a Chicago-based network of primary care clinics designed to serve older adults. They discuss the problems with usual primary care and how Oak Street Health is providing better services without charging extra fees. The post 049 Better Primary Care for Older Adults: the Oak Street Health Story appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains what to know about cerebral small vessel disease, a very common brain condition linked to cognitive decline, balance and walking problems, dementia, and other significant health issues in older adults. The post 048 How Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Affects Most Aging Brains appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains what to know and what to do, if you're concerned about an older person who is losing weight. She also covers the most common causes of weight loss, how this serious problem should be evaluated, and when to consider appetite stimulants or nutritional supplements. The post 047 Unintended Weight Loss in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks about deprescribing risky medications with geriatrician Dr. Cara Tannenbaum, an expert on empowering older adults to avoid potentially inappropriate medications. They discuss why sleeping pills and sedatives have been a particular focus of attention in Canada, which medications are most important to deprescribe, and much more. The post 046 Interview: Deprescribing & Reducing Risky Medications in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains 5 key basics that all family caregivers should know about the HIPAA Privacy Rule, and your options for getting doctors to share information about an older relative's health. She also covers what you can do if the older person can't or won't give written consent, and addresses other common caregiver questions. The post 045 HIPAA: Key Basics & 5 FAQs for Family Caregivers appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K addresses concerns about the use of morphine and lorazepam (brand name Ativan) while on hospice care. She explains how these drugs can be used for end of life symptoms, what the research and expert guidelines recommend, and what you can do if you're concerned about a relative's hospice care. The post 044 Hospice Medications & What to do if You’re Concerned appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains the basics of hospice, with a special focus on hospice for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. She also addresses common misperceptions people have about hospice and palliative care, and explains how to know when someone with dementia might be eligible for hospice. The post 043 How Hospice Helps at the End of Life, & Hospice for Alzheimer’s appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains healthcare's fundamental flaws and how to fix them, as articulated by the visionary healthcare reformer Dr. Larry Weed, who died this month at age 93. Includes tips on how to get better care in today's healthcare system. The post 042 Why Healthcare is Flawed & How to Improve It: The Work of Dr. Lawrence Weed appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains why having bacteria in one's urine does NOT mean one has a urinary tract infection (UTI) that requires antibiotics. It's actually common for older adults to have bacteria in the urine but no UTI symptoms or other signs of infection. This condition, called "asymptomatic bacteriuria" is often inappropriately treated by doctors. Learn how UTIs should be diagnosed in older adults, and how to avoid unneeded antibiotic treatments. The post 041 UTIs and Urine Bacteria in Aging: How to get the right diagnosis & avoid unneeded antibiotics appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains how to prevent, detect, and treat dehydration in aging adults. She also explains why seniors are at higher risk, why certain commonly used tests for dehydration can be misleading, the relationship between dehydration and urinary tract infections, and much more. The post 040 Dehydration in Older Adults: How to Prevent It, Detect It, & Treat It appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K discusses age-friendly health systems with Amy Berman of the John A Hartford Foundation. They cover what is an age-friendly health system, how it benefits older adults and families, how JAHF plans to pilot and expand these systems, and much more. The post 039 Interview: Creating Age-Friendly Health Systems appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Worried about an older person's decisions? Dr. K addresses FAQs about decision-making abilities and concerns about "incompetence." She also provides practical advice on what you can do if you're concerned that an older person is making "bad" decisions. The post 038 FAQs On “Incompetence” & Losing Decision Capacity appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with elder law attorney Harry Margolis. They discuss the durable general power of attorney as a tool to help a declining older parent, including how to minimize related family conflicts. The post 037 Interview: Using Powers of Attorney to Help Older Adults appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Janet Benvenuti, family caregiving expert and author of "Don't Give Up on Me: Supporting Aging Parents Successfully." They discuss Janet's experiences negotiating caregiving with her parents and siblings, how boomers can better prepare for their own aging, and much more. The post 036 Interview: Minimizing Family Conflicts & Supporting Aging Parents appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K talks with Stephen Golant, PhD, author of the book Aging in the Right Place. They discuss the pros and cons of aging in place, how seniors can figure out where is the right place to age, what is successful aging, and much more. The post 035 Interview: Aging in the Right Place appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K reviews the ten types of medications that may be associated with falls in aging adults, and explains what the CDC is telling doctors and patients to do about these drugs. The post 034 Preventing Falls: 10 Types of Medication to Reconsider appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains how to safely and effectively treat insomnia in older adults, and why most seniors should avoid sleeping pills, which are bad for brain health. She also covers approaches to treating sleep problems in Alzheimer's. The post 033 Safer Treatments for Insomnia in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains the most common causes of insomnia and other sleep problems in older adults, and offers advice on how to get them correctly diagnosed. She also explains how sleep changes with aging. The post 032 5 Top Causes of Sleep Problems in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains which over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers are usually safest for seniors, and which are much riskier than people realize. She covers common side-effects and risks to be aware of, and provides tips on helping an older person get the right care for frequent pains. The post 031 Choosing the Safest Over-the-Counter Painkiller in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains what families should know about the five types of medications used to treat difficult behaviors in people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, including how they work and common side-effects. She also explains how geriatricians usually approach difficult behaviors in dementia, and provides practical tips for families struggling to manage this challenge. The post 030 Drugs for Difficult Dementia Behaviors: What to Know appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
Dr. K explains her 6-item Healthy Aging Checklist, which covers the key things all older adults should do, for better health right now and to set a foundation for the best possible health for the future. The post 029 The Healthy Aging Checklist appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
In This Episode: Dr. K explains four things family caregivers should try, for better conversations with older parents who are resisting help. She covers:
- How cognitive problems often complicate family conversations
- The importance of hearing and validating an older person’s emotions
- How to discuss an older person’s goals, and why safety shouldn’t automatically be the top priority
- Ways to respond when an older parent voices “unrealistic” goals, such as never having help at home
- Why it’s important for family caregivers to identify their own fears and desires, when it comes to aging parents
Related episode:
022 – QA: Helping a Paranoid Older Parent and Checking Safety
Related Resources: * 4 Things to Do When Your Parents Are Resisting Help * 8 Behaviors to Take Note of If You Think Someone Might Have Alzheimer’s * Being Mortal: Medicine & What Matters in the End
Never Miss an Episode! Sign up here to be notified of our latest podcast episodes by email. Click here now. The post 028 When Older Parents Resist Help: 4 Tips for Better Talks appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
In This Episode: Dr. K talks with Carol Marak, founder of the Elder Orphans Facebook Group and editor of SeniorCare.com. They discuss aging issues facing those who have no spouse or adult children. They cover:
- Carol’s experience with her own aging parents, which led her to think of her own future as an aging single woman with no children
- The controversy around the term “elder orphan,” and why Carol finally chose to use it
- Isolation, transportation difficulties, affordable housing, and other concerns that are often discussed in the Elder Orphans Facebook group
- Why affordable housing that enables aging-in-community is so important
- Cohousing and other options for aging-in-community
- Choosing a power of attorney for health or finances
- Carol’s top tips for elder orphans
Related Resources: * Alone And Aging: Creating A Safety Net for Isolated Seniors * Elder Orphans: A Baby Boomer s Aging-Alone Plan * The ‘elder orphans’ of the Baby Boom generation * Websites to help older adults share homes: + Golden Girls Network + Silvernest * What is Cohousing? * 5@55: The 5 Essential Legal Documents You Need by Age 55 * Addressing Medical, Legal, & Financial Advance care Planning: The Health Aging Checklist Part 6
Never Miss an Episode! Sign up here to be notified of our latest podcast episodes by email. Click here now. The post 027 Interview: Planning for Aging When Single & Childless appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
