The Better Health While Aging Podcast

In This Episode:

Dr. K discussed the new Pfizer coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, with a special focus on understanding how well it works and how safe it is, in aging adults.

This episode covers:

• What to know about vaccine media reports and older adults
• Why it’s important to try to find out the actual ages (and age distribution) of older participants in vaccine trials
• How Dr. K looks at a published study to determine whether the vaccine works for her patients
• Why the current Pfizer data can’t tell us whether the vaccine works in people over age 75
• Why an expert dissented from the CDC’s decision to prioritize vaccination for nursing home residents
• Dr. K’s current recommendations regarding COVID vaccination and keeping frail older adults safe during the pandemic

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In This Episode:

Dr. K shares an update on the coronavirus (COVID19) situation and more recommendations to help older adults and people concerned about aging parents.

This episode covers:

• The coronavirus situation today
• Why COVID rates are so high right now
• Latest developments in treatment & vaccination
• What this means for older adults
• If you’re wondering “Is it safe to…?”
• Dr. K’s recommendations for the holidays and winter

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In This Episode:

Dr. K discusses urinary incontinence in aging with geriatrician Dr. Nicole Didyk, founder of the blog and YouTube channel The Wrinkle. They discuss:

• Why this is such an important health issue to detect and address
• Why aging tends to bring on urinary continence issues
• The four main types of urinary incontinence to know about
• The DIAPPERS mnemonic geriatricians often use to check for common causes of incontinence
• Which medications can cause or worsen incontinence
• How health providers should evaluate and diagnose incontinence
• How to prevent and treat urinary issues
• Timed toileting and other approaches to managing incontinence in Alzheimer’s and other dementias

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In This Episode:

Dr. K explains what all older adults and family caregivers should know about the new flu shots available for older adults this year and recommendations for influenza vaccination during this first COVID fall. This episode covers:

• The basics of influenza and why vaccination is important
• What we know about influenza and COVID-19
• Why older adults are at higher risk of harm from the flu and how the vaccine works
• The two key ways you can protect yourself from the flu
• Why this year is a good time to make sure older adults are uptodate on their one-time pneumococcal vaccination
• What to know about flu shots designed for older adults
• Which influenza vaccine she thinks is best for most older adults
• When to get vaccinated by
• What to do if your older relative is unable or unwilling to get vaccinated

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In This Episode:

Dr. K shares the coronavirus (COVID19) information and recommendations she presented on 7/16/20 to members of the Helping Older Parents Membership.

She covers:

• The coronavirus situation today
• Are we better at preventing COVID?
• Are we better at treating COVID?
• Current COVID treatments available in the hospital
• Dr. K’s take on hospitalization for frail older adults with COVID
• Useful resources and her recommendations for this summer

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