The Better Health While Aging Podcast

Get practical health tips from a geriatrician and other experts! We discuss common health problems that affect people over age 60, the best ways to prevent and manage those problems, and we also often address common concerns and dilemmas that come up with aging parents and other older loved ones.

069 – Evaluating Memory & Thinking Problems:
10 Causes & 10 Things to Check

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains what should happen during an initial medical evaluation when an older person develops memory or thinking problems. She covers:

What is cognitive impairment and why it’s important to get a medical evaluation
What kind of cognitive changes are considered normal with aging
10 common health issues that can affect memory and thinking
10 things a health provider should generally do, during an initial evaluation for cognitive impairment
The key things the initial evaluation should address
Whether to expect a definitive diagnosis
What to expect from your health providers

[Read more…]

068 – Interview: Putting Older Adults at the Center of Technology Conversations

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with Richard Caro, PhD, a co-founder of Tech-Enhanced Life, who facilitates ongoing”Longevity Explorer” meetings in which older adults come together to discuss interests, challenges, and new technologies. They discuss:

Why Richard and his colleagues decided to start these peer-to-peer technology conversations among older adults
The types of technologies and challenges that older adults have brought up
What some Longevity Explorers thought of Alexa and other technologies
Why innovators and businesses should tap into the insights of older adults
The importance of purpose and engagement in late life
How to find or start a Longevity Explorers group in your area
Tech-Enhanced Life’s recent work on helping companies co-design with older adults, and now also family caregivers

[Read more…]

067 – Interview: Managing Difficult Alzheimer’s Behaviors Without Medications

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with Paula Spencer Scott, a family life expert and the author of Surviving Alzheimer’s: Practical Tips and Soul-Saving Wisdom for Caregivers. They discuss:

Paula’s personal experiences caring for her father and her in-laws affected by dementia
Why she didn’t write a memoir, and instead opted to focus on featuring Alzheimer’s experts and practical caregiving how-tos
The “Why-This, Try-This” approach to troubleshooting challenging dementia behaviors
Why it’s so important to learn to better respond to dementia behaviors, and only use medication as a last resort
A 7-step process that you can use to safely manage difficult Alzheimer’s behaviors
Why it’s important to “be kinder than you feel” (and be kinder to yourself)

[Read more…]

066 – Interview: Addressing Potential Self-Neglect in Older Adults

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with Aanand Naik, MD, a geriatrician with a special interest in self-neglect and vulnerability among older adults. Dr. Naik is Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and recently authored the chapter “Evaluating Capacity for Safe and Independent Living Among Vulnerable Older Adults” in the textbook “Ethical Considerations and Challenges in Geriatrics.” They discuss:

What does “self-neglect” mean, and what are the related risks?
How common is self-neglect in older adults?
What are some common signs that might indicate self-neglect?
What does it mean to be able to manage one’s self-care and self-protection?
What can you do if you’re concerned about potential self-neglect in an older person?
How can doctors and other health professionals help address possible self-neglect?
What is the role of Adult Protective Services in addressing this issue?
When might the courts become involved?

[Read more…]

065 – Reconsidering “Successful Aging”

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

In This Episode:

For Older Americans Month, Dr. K reflects on what it means to “successfully age,” and how we might help older adults accordingly. She covers:

How our conception of “successful” or “better” aging influences the way we judge others and ourselves
How the media and others often depict successful aging, and why this is problematic
A different model of success in aging which puts more emphasis on adapting to — rather than managing to avoid — common age-related challenges
Why aging might be less about individual choices than many people think
How we might better appreciate older adults for their resilience and adaptations to late-life challenges

[Read more…]

The Better Health While Aging Podcast

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