<!– google_ad_section_start –>Aging in New York. You may know about the World Health Organization’s Age Friendly Cities initiative, announced in 2007. And perhaps you know all about Age-Friendly New York, launched in 2009 as a result of the WHO. Lots of folks like to say how age-friendly NYC is – which I have always thought was odd, if not downright laughable – having battled across streets in NYC with a wide range of pedestrian walk times, deep puddles masking ramp cut-outs, and a subway system map that favors insider knowledge. Senior Planet in NYC has some more info on what makes a city age-friendly: “New York has an amazing public transportation system going for it. Even though it’s not perfect and
Category: aging
Five (pretty smart) watches – acknowledging that seniors exist
<!– google_ad_section_start –>Should smart watches target and serve seniors? Erik Wicklund observed in mHealth News that the smartwatch hype about Apple’s rock-the-world has mesmerized the media. He mentions Microsoft Band and Pebble. Really from a hype-opmeter perspective, that was gracious, but those products already shipping are not generally thought of as ‘MAGICAL.’ Do seniors need a Smartwatch? Does anyone need all the smarts being invented? Let’s just call that a rhetorical question for now. Note these five smart watches for seniors, in alphabetical order, information from websites or reviews. These are available now or planned to be released soon: <!– google_ad_section_end –>read more
Services for aging in place – not provided, not coordinated, not enough
<!– google_ad_section_start –>What you can’t see is what you get. Rant on. You would think by now that there would be a traveling provider of just about everything anyone might need. You can order much of your supplies in your home from the Amazon of all stuff, uh, actually, that IS Amazon.com. These days – you probably know that doctors are making housecalls. Even podiatrists and dentists (did you know this?) will travel to assisted living facilities. Should people with dementia have annual eye exams? (Yes.) What about eye exams inside memory care units for non-verbal 90-year-olds? And what about the boxes of unclaimed eyeglasses by the nurses’ station? Who do they belong to? How can you tell? And how
Married Sex Gets Better in the Golden Years
Sex improves in later years among long-married couples, becoming more frequent as intimacy becomes more a priority, researchers found.
Varied Routes to Safer Streets
Plans to eliminate traffic deaths involve shared responsibilities among drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, traffic enforcers and street designers, all of whom must change behaviors and attitudes.
The Green House Effect: Homes for the Elderly to Thrive
The common belief is that nursing homes are depressing places where old people go to die. But the Green House project offers cheerful, homelike facilities that are respectful of the needs and wants of elderly Americans.
Failing Sense of Smell May Predict Sooner Death
A defective sense of smell appears to be a good predictor of whether you’ll die in the next five years, a new study has found.
Of Little Help to Older Knees
Middle-aged and older patients are unlikely to benefit in the long term from surgery to repair tears in the meniscus, pads of cartilage in the knee, a new review of studies has found.
Tactic in Alzheimer’s Fight May Be Safe, Study Finds
Research suggests that reducing or neutralizing one variety of the APOE gene would not harm the brain, while making Alzheimer’s less likely.
Picking a Nursing Home Shouldn’t Be Trial and Error
Know what level of care a person with dementia requires and which homes has the best programs and atmosphere. Also take into account your travel situation.
Wine Ingredient May Have Few Health Benefits
Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine, chocolate and other foods, may have an undeserved reputation as a cancer and heart disease preventive.