Health

This images shows an older man sitting in a beige recliner type chair with a lamp on a table slightly behind. He has white hair and is wearing dark-rimmed glasses, a navy blue striped short-sleeved shirt and white pants. A brown spaniel sits on his lap as he holds the dogs head up toward the camera. the man has his head down as if kissing the top of the dog's head.

The Stigma of Incontinence Can Keep Older Adults Secluded Adding to Potential for Decline

Dear Carol: I’m worried about my husband. We’re both in our 70s and in relatively good health but he’s had surgery for prostate cancer...

This indoor images shows a younger woman on the left. She has long, light brown hair and iw wearing a pink sweater. She's pointing to something on a smartphone that's held by an older woman with white hair. The older woman wears alight blue top with white trim. Both woman have slight smiles and are communicating about what they see with pleasure.

An Older Adult Skips Bathing? Maybe there’s a Good Reason

A common complaint about older people, especially those who have health challenges, is that they “smell” or have other signs that they don’t shower...

This outdoor image shows a lake in the background with foliage on the other side. The foreground shows an older man, maybe Middle Eastern decent, with white hair and a white mustache. He wears sunglasses and an off-white long-sleeved shirt. His expression is one of displeasure or stubbornness.

Convincing An Older Adult to Wear Incontinence Protection Takes Sensitivity and Tact

It’s often difficult for older adults to accept and deal with incontinence issues. Many try to ignore this new development and carry on with...

This indoor image shows closed white draperies in the background. ONe the left we see a younger black woman who wears a yellow cardigan over a cream top and jeans. Seh's bending over as she helps an older black man sit in a chair. He has gray hair and is wearing a medium blue pullover.

Should Your Older Parent One Move in With You?

Decades ago, it was fairly common to have grandparents living with family and it often worked well. It did for my family. My parents...

This image shows a classic hospital room with a insturtional cover over sheets on a hospital bed. There's is a gray visitor's chair near the bed.

Should Your Parent Risk an Anesthesia Disaster or Forego Surgery?

Note: More is known now about the downfalls of surgery on older adults, yet some are still undergoing surgery that leaves them more damaged...

The closeup image only shows the torsos of the people. ON the left is a medical person with a purpose sthoscope around their neck. The person is holding their arm bent and hand out to support a women show is weraing a red and white checked, long-sleeved blouose. She has her hand clasped over the supporting person's wrist.

Confusion About Palliative Services Vs. Hospice Care Is Understandable

Dear Carol: After caring for my mom for years, I moved her to memory care due to her dementia. At 93, she is fading....

Background shows a glorious sunrise across a lake. Foreground shows the silhouette of a woman from the side. S he's raising her arms in a yoga pose while looking ahead, likely doing breathing excercises.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Brain Healthy While Caregiving

Many of us cope with the stress of caring for someone who has dementia. We agonize over the increasing losses that our loved one...

A very old woman sits on a brown leather couch. Her gray hair is pulled back, and she wears rimless glasses. Her dress is dark blue and she's wearing a cream-colored knit shawl. Her expression is pleasant.

People Living with Dementia May Fight Bathing: Compassion, Education Can Help

Many older adults may not bathe as often as younger people think they should, but what about people living with dementia? Here lies a much...

The background shows a white wall with a hanging of purple flowers. Foreground shows an older, gray haired woman in a hospital gown hugging a younger woman. The younger woman has long dark hair and is wearing a beige sweater.

Why Would Mom Choose to Smell Rather Than Use Incontinence Products?

Dear Carol: My mom is only 79 but she has a lot of health problems including lung disease requiring oxygen. She receives good health...

Background is a rising sun over hills. Foreground shows a back view of a siloouetted woman seated in a cross-legged yoga pose, arms in front. She's gazing toward the horizon.

10 Tips to Help You “Unplug” from Caregiving

Jen has been caring for her parents for almost two years and she is quickly approaching caregiver burnout. A close friend booked and prepaid...