The term arthritis refers to more than 100 diseases and conditions affecting the joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an estimated 54.4...
As you grow older, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy for a lifetime. Furthermore, there is a connection between oral health and overall health. Research indicates an unhealthy mouth may increase the risk for serious health problems such...
For all ages, owning a pet can bring their owners great joy, emotional comfort, and companionship. They provide humans a secure attachment by giving unconditional love. Overall, pets brighten the day, and are often the source of laughter through their antics. And for older adults, the physical and psychological...
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple. It is part of the endocrine system and regulates the body's metabolism by producing and releasing hormones. The thyroid regulates many important functions including breathing, heart rate, nervous systems, muscle strength,...
A UTI is an infection in the urinary tract. Infections are caused by microbes which are organisms too small to be seen without a microscope. This includes fungi, viruses, and bacteria--the most common cause of a UTI. Normally, bacteria that enter the urinary tract flush through the body...
A family health history is a written record of a family's health--think of it as a family health tree. Older adults are in a unique position to create such a document because they have the most knowledge about the health of previous generations. Creating a family health history...
Age-related macular degeneration, also referred to as AMD, is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. The disease causes damage to a part of the eye called the macula--a small spot near the center of the retina. Essential for sharp,...
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. After the age of 85, hearing...
It is never too late to stop smoking. Anybody at any age can reap the benefits of giving up cigarettes. According to Smokefree.gov within 20 minutes of smoking the last cigarette, a body starts to make healthy changes that continue for years. And, within a few weeks people...
Most older adults drink responsibly. In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, the prevalence of heavy alcohol use is lower among adults ages 65 and older than among other adult age groups. However, as the body ages, the way it is able to...