Lots of older folks are turning to alternative medicine to help them with the pains of aging – but they don’t necessarily think that’s any of their doctor’s business. About 40% of older adults use at least one alternative medicine practice to help with body aches or mental strains, be it chiropractic care, massage therapy,…

Having positive social interactions is associated with a sense of purpose for older adults, which can fluctuate from day to day, according to new research. And although these findings apply to both working and retired adults, the research found that for better and for worse, these interactions are more strongly correlated to purposefulness in people…

An official notice encouraging children to promote vaccine use among elderly relatives that was published by a district educational body of China’s Beihai City on July 6 has triggered widespread criticism among Chinese netizens. The online notice, titled “A Special Summer Vacation Homework Assignment,” requires young students, including kindergarten children, “to motivate paternal and maternal…

Almost half of older adults—more than 26 million people aged 65 and older—have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How concerned should they be? Not very, some experts say. Prediabetes—a term that refers to above-normal, but not extremely high blood sugar levels—isn’t a disease, and it doesn’t imply that older adults who have…

Choosing the right credit card as a senior or retiree can sometimes be tricky. There are many options available, and it’s essential to find one that offers the best benefits for your current needs. Unfortunately, those needs and our preferences change as we age, so the card that was our ideal fit in our twenties or thirties…

When I share my thoughts on growing older gracefully with my readers, it’s important for everyone to know that, as in so many areas of life, I bring more enthusiasm to my activities than expertise. Fortunately, curiosity and enthusiasm often compensate for brilliance or a list of college degrees. Having said that, I’m going to…

Home-based, technology-enabled primary care can make all the difference for seniors, whether they have chronic conditions or just want to remain healthy and prevent illness. As the American population continues to age, it is critical to reimagine primary care to account for the emerging trends in the senior community. More tech-savvy seniors, like those with…

At any age, stress is a part of life. Young and old alike have to face difficult situations and overcome obstacles. While young adults struggle to establish a career, achieve financial security, or juggle work and family demands, older people may face failing health or dwindling finances — or simply the challenges of retaining their…

It seemed a simple prospect — take a low-dose baby aspirin tablet once a day and reduce your risk of ever suffering a heart attack or stroke. But new science has shown it’s not that simple. Noting the drug’s risk of dangerous bleeding, the nation’s leading panel of preventive health experts has reversed course and now…

Deciding to become physically active can be one of the best things you can do for your health. Exercise and physical activity are not only great for your mental and physical health, but they can help keep you independent as you age. Now, let’s talk about getting started. How Much Activity Do Older Adults Need?…