More drugs are prescribed to people over age 65 than to any other group in America. Older adults consume one quarter of all drugs prescribed in the United States. The average senior citizen receives 13 prescriptions per year, and nearly one half of all over-the-counter drugs. Because the elderly are the largest single group of [...]

It is said that "we are what we eat," and science is beginning to back this statement with hard facts. The better we understand the effect excess fat and cholesterol have on such conditions as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, the more we realize that nutrition is one of the most important building blocks [...]

Although the effects of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation are cumulative, it’s never too late to stop the damage. And, because most older adults and senior citizens take several prescription medications, chances are you’ll need extra protection to prevent photosensitive (or heightened) reactions of your skin to sunlight. Ideas that Work: Take cover. Wear a hat [...]

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Don’t give up anything until you don’t need it anymore." But for smokers it may not be that easy, especially older adults who have smoked for decades. However, it’s never too late to give up smoking and reduce your risk of heart disease and lung cancer. Also, if you continue to [...]

Strength training usually has been reserved for younger and middle-aged adults rather than older adults because doctors have feared that lifting weights could be dangerous to those with such problems as arthritis, heart disease, and hypertension. However, research now shows that strength training can provide significant benefits to most adults. These benefits include increasing muscle [...]