Why are Seniors at More Risk for Dehydration? According to the Mayo Clinic, “As you age, your body’s fluid reserve becomes smaller, your ability to conserve water is reduced, and your thirst sense becomes less acute. These problems are compounded by chronic illnesses such as diabetes and dementia, and by the use of certain medications.” Read this article for 6 Tips to Prevent Dehydration in Older Adults [7-16-2023]

Have you been avoiding getting hearing aids? Perhaps not using the ones you have? A new study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that older adults with greater severity of hearing loss were more likely to have dementia, but the likelihood of dementia was lower among hearing aid users compared to non-users.

Read the whole study on their website. [1-10-23]

Lifestyle factors can potentially reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by up to 60%, says Kumar Rajan, PhD, professor of epidemiology and director of the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging. Do you have four of the five habits that constitute a healthy lifestyle? Read the article Healthy Habits May Improve Longevity, Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease to find out. [5-11-22]

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We all feel anxious sometimes, but if anxiety is becoming a constant in your life, you’ll want to read this article by psychologist Alice Boyes, Ph.D. She suggests 50 Strategies to Beat Anxiety. [05-11-22]

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The vast majority of aging Americans want to stay in their homes and live independently for as long as possible, but many haven't considered what needs to be done to achieve "aging in place," a new poll reveals. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (88%) between 50 and 80 years of age said it's important to remain in their homes as they grow older, the latest University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found. But nearly half (47%) admitted they'd given little or no thought to the steps they'd need to take so they could remain safely and comfortably at home in their old age. [4-21-22]

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7,000 is the new 10,000 according to a recent medical journal report. That is, 7,000 steps a day is the goal to shoot for, not the 10,000 we were previously advised. Read how 7,000 steps a day might be what you need to save your life. [4-04-22]

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Do you find yourself taking antacids almost daily? You aren't alone. About 15 million people in the U.S. experience heartburn every day, a common symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Northwestern Medicine has a GERD Online Assessment to help you rate your symptoms. Take the quiz online and then talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

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From Harvard, try these simple stretches before you even get out of bed in the morning, and yes, before that cup of coffee. [4-1-20]

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Whether it’s surgery, arthritis, dementia, or the aches and pains of aging, many seniors and caregivers appreciate the simplicity and ease of easy-on, easy-off adaptive clothing. [1-19-22]

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About 2,000 years ago, the Roman poet Juvenal famously wrote, "You should pray for a healthy mind in a healthy body" (Orandum est ut sit mens sana in corpore sano). For millennia, we've known that healthy minds and healthy bodies tend to go hand in hand. Now, according to a 10-year study just released, making lifestyle choices that keep our bodies frailty-free can keep our minds sharp. [12-23-21]

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According to the CDC, one out of every five falls causes an injury and for the 65+ population, falling is the leading cause of injury and death. Here are 5 ways to prevent slips and falls this winter. [12-7-20]

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In April 2020, the FDA issued an immediate market withdrawal request for all prescription and over-the-counter versions of Zantac (ranitidine), an over-the-counter heartburn treatment, including generic ranitidine. In 2021 Zantac produced a new formula, called Zantac 360, made with famotidine, the same ingredient as in Pepcid AC. More information about treating heartburn over the holidays is in this 2019 Michigan Medicine article. [12-17-21]

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Have you ever experienced condescending or dismissive treatment from a medical professional? Have you been called “dear,” “young lady” or “young man” by someone in the medical field? If so, this article, How to Deal With Ageism From Doctors and Nurses will help you identify when such behavior is caused by ageism, and what to do about it. [12-08-21]

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Are drugstore reading glasses OK for your eyes? Experts say that they are usually fine and this AARP article gives tips on what to consider and how to select those glasses. [11-18-21]

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What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet? From Northwestern Medicine, here are some tips about what you might want to keep on hand as well as when and how to dispose of medications properly. There are places in our neighborhoods to take medicines for disposal. [11-2021]

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Don’t Let Loneliness Harm Your Health. Loneliness isn't simply about being alone -- some people are happy on their own. And it’s not how many people you know or how often you see them, or a bad day when you don't feel connected. What matters is to have strong connections. Those who do tend to be happier, healthier, and more productive. Those who don’t may feel isolated, misunderstood, and depressed: lonely. It can take a physical toll, too. This article on WebMD outlines steps you can take to overcome the impact of loneliness on your health. [8-22-21]

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Learn the A, B, C and D of Medicare in this article from WebMD so you choose the best health insurance for your needs. [07-26-21]

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Are you feeling anxious? Try this breathing technique to regain a sense of control. [10-06-21]

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Do you wonder if you have hearing loss? About half of people 75 and older have lost 35 decibels or more of hearing — the point at which a hearing aid is needed. But it can be tough to tell when someone's hearing is starting to go, even (or especially) if that someone is you. This article gives 10 key signs that it may be time to have your hearing evaluated. [02-02-21]

If you are an AARP member, there is a free telephone hearing test that you can take on their website’s Hearing Center. [10-21-21]

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Many of us cook meals for one or two people and have leftovers to store. Or perhaps you want to buy food in larger quantities and store ingredients for recipes in smaller portions. This article provides tips for freezing food so nothing goes to waste. [5-06-20]

Another good article from WebMD gives us thirteen frozen food mistakes to avoid. [1-27-21]

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Research shows that the pandemic has increased stress, anxiety, loneliness and other mental health concerns for many of us. From the Family Institute at Northwestern University, here are 50 Realistic Ways to Improve Your Mental Health. [5-15-19]

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Un[*]spoken is the city’s first-ever mental health awareness campaign which seeks to:

  • improve awareness of and connection to publicly funded mental health services available to all Chicago residents

  • combat mental health stigma

  • build awareness of mental health as a critical public health issue.

Visit this website to learn more: https://mentalhealth.chicago.gov/

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AARP Staying Sharp: Brain Health

City of Chicago - Senior Services - Department of Aging

Mather Telephone Topics: Connecting to new possibilities without leaving home

Home Centered Care Institute

Weiss Memorial Hospital Senior Health Programs and Services

20-Minute Standing or Seated Chair Exercises for Seniors from HasFit

Heart to Heart Medical Lending Closet - Items available include walkers, with and without wheels, crutches, wheelchairs, and portable commodes.  

Chicago’s Phoenix Yoga Project: Free Yoga for Every Body