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.

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…]

064 – What to Know About Constipation & Laxatives

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains how older adults and families can prevent and manage constipation, including how to safely and effectively use over-the-counter laxatives. She covers:

What exactly does it mean to be constipated, and why is it more common with aging
The most common causes of constipation, and which “red flag” signs shouldn’t be ignored
Medications that often make constipation worse
How constipation should be evaluated and treated
The laxative myth you shouldn’t believe
3 types of over-the-counter laxative that work, and the one that doesn’t
Why she often recommends prunes
What to do if you’re concerned about constipation for yourself or someone else

[Read more…]

063 – Giving Yourself (And Your Family) a Gift on National Healthcare Decisions Day

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

In This Episode:

Dr. K shares a personal story and explains why it’s so important to take the time to talk with others and make plans to provide others with guidance, since most of us will at some point be unable to make our own healthcare decisions. She covers:

The importance of National Healthcare Decisions Day
What “advance care planning” means, and why it’s more than completing legal forms
Four key steps in advance care planning
Why it’s essential to have conversations with others, including with healthcare providers and with family
Two free online tools you can use to guide you through reflection, conversations, and completing paperwork
Five common pitfalls to avoid if possible
Five questions you can ask yourself, every April when it’s National Healthcare Decisions Day

[Read more…]

The Better Health While Aging Podcast

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