Insights and Inspiration
Constipation Treatment & Best Laxatives in…
Constipation is not a glamorous topic, but it’s certainly important, especially in older adults. As anyone who has experienced occasional — or even chronic — constipation can tell you, it can really put a damper on quality of life and well-being. Constipation can also cause more substantial problems, such as: Severe abdominal pain, which
10 Things to Know About HIPAA…
Have you ever had questions about what might be going on with an older loved one’s health? But then you find that your older relative is unable — or unwilling — to let you in on the health details? Or maybe you’ve wanted to talk to your parent’s doctor, but worried that doing so might
How to Be on Less Medication…
Have you ever wondered whether you — or your older relative — might be taking too many medications? You’re certainly right to ask yourself this. I consider this for all my own patients, and wish every doctor would. In part, this is because over the years, I’ve had countless older adults express their worries and
5 Ways to Help Someone Age…
People of all older ages often tell me they hope to age in place. Meaning, they want to be able to remain in their home and community, even as time brings changes to life, health, and abilities. These days, many older people do end up moving, often reluctantly. And this doesn’t have to be a
FROM HOME SWEET HOME TO NURSING…
Make sure to find out if the home has certified nurses and trained support staff. Photo: 123rf.com Whether we like it or not, there will come a time when we have to seriously consider where we see ourselves living 20 years after retirement. Given a choice, most of us senior citizens would prefer to age
What to Do About Unexplained Weight…
Q: My 88-year-old father lives in his own home about 100 miles from us. He’s been living alone since my mother died five years ago. I thought he looked rather thin last time we saw him. I’m starting to feel worried about his nutrition. Should I be concerned? Would you recommend he start drinking a
TO AGE WELL, START YOUNG
The new generation of seniors are ready to venture forth to where their predecessors had feared to go. – 123rf.com Each year, on Oct 1, we celebrate the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons. The entire month is packed with events and activities, and media coverage of everything related to seniors. It is an
When Aging Parents Become Rude:Is It…
Q: My loving, Jewish mother is 92 and has turned into a rude, abusive foul-mouthed woman who I no longer recognize. She’s in relatively good health and amazingly lives in the same house I grew up in. She has an aide during the day. She won’t leave the house, treats the aide poorly and last
TO DRIVE OR NOT TO DRIVE?
Most bus stops do not display bus routes and schedule on the notice-boards. If we see any, the info is likely outdated. – 123rf.com Most of my senior friends still drive. They tell me they would be helpless without wheels. They wouldn’t have a clue how to get from Puchong to Sunway, or from Kajang
How to Choose the Safest OTC…
Q: My 88-year old mother often complains of various aches and pains. What is the safest over-the-counter painkiller for her to take? Aren’t some of them bad for your liver and kidneys? A: Frequent aches and pains are a common problem for older adults. If your mother has been complaining, you’ll want to make sure she
