Statins Appear to Reduce Risk of Depression in Heart Patients Q.     My 81-year-old mother had been understandably blue for a year after my father died, and then she suffered a mild heart attack. After she recovered at the hospital and returned home, the doctor recommended that she go on a statin. He said it might cut [...]

Whet Seniors’ Appetites by Making Mealtimes Fun It’s no secret that companionship is considered the most important ingredient for dinner-table success. And as far as food goes, variety is the spice of life. Q.   My 80-year-old mother, who lives alone, just had a physical and is in good health for her age. I notice that [...]

More Evidence Physical Activity a Plus for Seniors If you need proof that exercise is a fountain of youth, check out the mounting research. Q.   My adult daughter is constantly after me to exercise more, but at age 85 I just don’t see the point. It’s all I can do just to keep up care [...]

Exercise Helps Both Mind and Body Much has been written about the benefits of exercise for mind and body. Sometimes all seniors need is someone to help motivate them. Q.   I read a lot about the benefits of physical exercise. But does exercise help the mind, too? I’m a 78-year-old widow who is interested in [...]

Top 10 Smart Foods They may seem like common staples for any healthy diet, but the following 10 foods hold special nutritional value for seniors and can help slow aging and the risks of diseases often associated with growing older. These items also are versatile enough to be used in a variety of recipes. Oatmeal: A [...]

Diet, Support Play Roles in Living with Parkinson’s A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease doesn’t need to leave a senior and his or her family members dejected. Hope is on the horizon and support is available. Q.  My 78-year-old mother, who is divorced from our dad, has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I’ve read a [...]

Diet, Exercise Are a Good 1-2 Punch for Older Adults The best way for seniors to keep valuable lean muscle mass and lose weight at the same time is a combination of exercise and dieting. And keeping weight off is a way to slow the aging process, according to a study. However, sometimes older adults [...]

Walking Reduces Anxiety in Older Women Q.  As a 68-year-old widow living alone, my anxiety levels seem to have increased since menopause. I don’t really want to go on medications. Do you have any suggestions? Yes, two: companionship and walking. A recent study says a brisk walk can reduce a variety of psychological symptoms such [...]

Financial Plan Can Benefit Family Caregivers Q.   I’m an 83-year-old widow with health problems, so my daughter has been caring for me after work and during the evenings. Now she’s talking about quitting her job and I’m worried. Her family needs her income and I fear this will put a strain on her budget. I [...]

Feeling Left Out of Caregiving Responsibilities Since you moved hundreds of miles from home for a great job, your sister has assumed the care of your parents. But you feel left out. Every time you ask, she says not to worry, she has it covered. How do you react? There are few things worse than [...]