Question: My 85-year-old mother loves candles and is always burning them, especially on chilly winter nights. She also often falls asleep with a candle burning. Since she lives alone, I’m worried about her safety.

Your mother could be vulnerable to a very real safety threat. The U.S. Fire Administration says people over the age of 65 have a home fire death rate nearly twice the national average. For those over 75, that risk nearly triples. Older adults account for 32 percent of fire deaths and 12 percent of estimated fire injuries, according to the National Fire Data Center (NFDC) of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

Question: My 78-year-old widowed mother spends her days on the computer and I’m worried about her lack of companionship. Should I be?

Here’s an interesting study: Spending time online reduces depression by 20 percent for senior citizens, the Phoenix Center reports in a new Policy Paper released recently. In addition to the quality of life benefits, reducing the cases of depression through widespread Internet use among older Americans could trim the nation’s health care bill.

Question: My 82-year-old mother’s doctor put her on anti-depressants and I’m worried about leaving her alone. Do you have any suggestion?

Your concern may be justified. According to an analysis of previous studies reported in a recent issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, older adults who take several types of psychotropic medications such as antidepressants or sedatives appear more likely to experience falls.

Falls are consistently among the leading causes of death and injury for older adults. Each year, 85 percent of all injury-related hospital admissions and more than 40 percent of nursing home admissions are related to falls, and the annual costs associated with falls and their complications are estimated to be in the billions of dollars worldwide.

Question: The last time my 80-year-old father was at his doctor’s office his blood pressure was elevated. The doctor wants to put him on medication, but he doesn’t want any part of that. He just doesn’t seem as interested about his health since mom died. How can I convince him?

You can tell your dad about a recent review of nearly 15 studies over the past nearly 40 years. Those studies show that older people – those 60 and older – seeking treatment for hypertension will live longer, healthier lives.

It appears that staying home could be the best, with the right resources, that is. A study that was published in a recent issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, found that at-home care may be a practical alternative for some patients with suddenly worsening chronic heart failure.

Question: My mother, who is diabetic, takes so many pills that she sometimes gets confused. I worry about her since she lives alone. What are the risks and do you have any suggestions?

An estimated one-third to one-half of all patients in the U.S. don’t take their medications as prescribed by their doctors, according to the New England Healthcare Institute (NEHI). Chronic disease patients who do not consistently take their medications often experience preventable worsening of disease, becoming vulnerable to serious medical risks.

While clutter is not a problem unique to seniors, conditions of aging including arthritis can lead to disorder and chaos. June is Home Safety Month, a great time to focus on cleaning up your home.

After all, too much clutter is a safety risk such as slipping on loose papers, threat of fire or the health effects of mold and mildew. Clutter might also make you uncomfortable to have guests in your home.