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• Diseases, Disorders, Conditions - Includes a guide of talking with your doctor.
• Health Promotion/Disease Prevention - Includes an exercise guide.
• Medications and Immunizations - Includes what to do about the flu.
• Planning for Later Years - Includes Planning long-term care.
• Safety - Includes Crime safety
• Search - All aging information

Diseases, Disorders, Conditions

Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
This book was developed by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, to help older people communicate successfully with their doctors.

Accidental Hypothermia: Cold Weather Can be Trouble for Older People
Cold weather can be risky for anyone, but especially for older people.

Aging and Alcohol Abuse
Anyone at any age can have a drinking problem. Drinking problems in older people are often neglected by families, doctors, and the public.

Arthritis Advice
Half of all people age 65 and older have arthritis. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis and many different symptoms and treatments.

Constipation
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. It is defined as having fewer bowel movements than usual, with a long or hard passing of stools. Older people are more likely than younger people to have constipation.

High Blood Pressure: A Common but Controllable Disease
You may be surprised if your doctor says you have high blood pressure (HBP) because it does not cause symptoms and you can have it even though you feel fine. But HBP is a serious condition that can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and other health problems. The good news is that there are simple ways to control it.

Hyperthermia: A Hot Weather Hazard
Warm weather and outdoor activity generally go hand in hand. However, it is important for older people to take action to avoid the severe health problems often caused by hot weather. “Hyperthermia” is the general name given to a variety of heat-related illnesses. The two most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Of the two, heat stroke is especially dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.

Osteoporosis: The Bone Thinner
Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens bones to the point where they break easily--especially bones in the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because you may not notice any symptoms.

Prostate Problems
Prostate problems are common in men 50 and older. Most can be treated successfully without harming sexual function.

Stroke: Prevention and Treatment
Thanks to new tests that help predict stroke, treatments that help control high blood pressure, and good health habits that many Americans are practicing, the death rate from stroke is down as much as 50 percent since 1970.

Urinary Incontinence
Many people with incontinence pull away from their family and friends. They try to hide the problem from everyone, even their doctors. The good news is that in most cases urinary incontinence can be treated and controlled, if not cured.

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Health Promotion/Disease Prevention

Aging and Your Eyes
Did you know that many older people have good eyesight into their 80’s and beyond? Growing older does not always mean you see poorly. There are some easy things to try when these changes happen.

Depression: A Serious but Treatable Illness
Being "down in the dumps" over a period of time is not a normal part of growing old. But it is a common problem, and medical help may be needed. For most people, depression can be treated successfully. "Talk" therapies, drugs, or other methods of treatment can ease the pain of depression. There is no reason to suffer.

Don't Take it Easy - Exercise!
Whether you’re 40 or 60 years old, you can exercise and improve your health. Physical activity is good for your heart, mood, and confidence. Exercising has even helped 80 and 90 year old people living in nursing homes to grow stronger and more independent. Older people who become more active--including those with medical problems--may feel better and have more energy than ever before.

Foot Care
Improving the circulation of blood to the feet can help prevent problems. Disease, years of wear and tear, ill fitting or poorly designed shoes, poor circulation to the feet, or improperly trimmed toenails cause many common foot problems.

Hearing and Older People
About one-third of Americans between age 65 and 74 and one-half of those age 85 and older have hearing problems. They may mistake words in a conversation, miss musical notes at a concert, or leave a ringing door bell unanswered. Some people may not admit they are having trouble hearing. But, if ignored or untreated, these problems can get worse. If you have a hearing problem, you can get help.

Life Extension: Science or Science Fiction?
Here are some of the chemicals being studied and what scientists have learned about them so far.
Explorers once searched for the fountain of youth, and old legends tell of magic potions that keep people young. The ancient questions--Why do people grow old? How can we live longer?--still fascinate people, including the scientists who study aging (gerontologists). But their most important question is this: how can people stay healthy and independent as they grow older?

Pills, Patches, and Shots: Can Hormones Prevent Aging?
Hormones are powerful chemicals that help keep our bodies working normally. They are made naturally, by the body, and can affect us in far-reaching ways. Levels of some hormones decrease as a normal part of aging. In other cases, the body may fail to make enough of a hormone for other reasons. In either case, the body’s hormone levels can be increased by taking hormone supplements — pills, shots, or medicated skin patches.

Sexuality in Later Life
Most older people want and are able to enjoy an active, satisfying sex life. Regular sexual activity helps maintain sexual ability. However, over time everyone may notice a slowing of response. This is part of the normal aging process.

Skin Care and Aging
Americans spend billions of dollars each year on "wrinkle" creams, bleaching products to lighten age spots, and skin lotions to keep skin looking smooth and healthy. But the simplest and cheapest way to keep your skin healthier and younger looking is to stay out of the sun.

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth
A healthy smile is a bonus at any age. Too often older people-especially those who wear false teeth (or dentures)-feel they no longer need dental checkups. If you haven't learned the basics of oral health care, it is not too late to start. And even if you have, it's a good time to review.

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Medications and Immunizations

Medicines: Use Them Safely
Drugs can be wonderful tools for the care of people of all ages. Many people over age 65 owe their lives in part to new and improved medicines and vaccines. But for older adults, drug use may have risks, especially when several medicines are used at one time.

Pneumonia Prevention: It's Worth a Shot
Can Pneumonia Be Prevented? For some causes of pneumonia, yes. The pneumococcal vaccine is safe, it works, and one shot lasts most people up to 10 years. People who get the vaccine are protected against almost all of the bacteria that cause pneumococcal pneumonia and other pneumococcal diseases as well. The shot, which is covered by Medicare, can be a lifesaver.

Shots for Safety
Shots, or immunizations, are not just for infants and children. Adults also need to be vaccinated from time to time to be protected against serious infectious diseases. In fact, some shots are more important for adults than for children. Every year, thousands of older people die needlessly.

What to Do About the Flu
When you have the flu your body's ability to fight off other infections is lowered and other more serious infections can occur, especially pneumonia. It is very important for older people to prevent flu, because treating it can be harder as people age.

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Planning for Later Years

Planning for Long-Term Care
The good news is that families have more choices in long-term care than ever before. Today, services can provide the needed help while letting you stay active and connected with family, friends, and neighbors. These services include home health care, adult day care, and transportation services for frail seniors as well as foster care, assisted living and retirement communities, and traditional nursing homes.

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Safety
Crime and the Elderly
Even though there are risks, do not let a fear of crime stop you from enjoying life. There are things you can do to be safer. Be careful and be aware of what goes on around you.

Health Quackery
Quacks-people who sell unproven remedies-have been around for years. You may remember the "snake oil" salesman who traveled from town to town making amazing claims about his "fabulous" product. Today's quack is only a little more slick. Sometimes only money wasted, but it can be a serious problem if quackery prevents you from seeking professional medical care.

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