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Aging

2 years ago

7 Reasons Older Adults Are at Risk for Drug-Related Problems

With almost 90% of older adults taking one prescription drug regularly (and 36% consuming at least five), concerned family members often wonder about the potential risks of daily medication use for their elderly loved ones. From overdosing to not taking medications as prescribed, various issues can affect older adults who use prescription and over-the-counter drugs — but what makes that age group particularly vulnerable? Today, we’re discussing the risks older adults face when taking medications and some of the reasons they’re at risk for potential drug-related problems. What Are the Risks the Elderly Face When Taking Drugs Regularly? Many possible effects can occur in older adults who take prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicines regularly, including (but not limited to): Drug ineffectiveness Adverse drug effects Underdosage Overdosage Inadequate monitoring of usage Nonadherence Drug interactions 7 Reasons Older Adults Are at Risk for Drug-Related Issues Sure, there are potential repercussions associated with taking one or more medications daily, but what causes those problems in the first place? Below, we discuss seven reasons the elderly are at a higher risk for drug-related health concerns. #1 Polypharmacy Polypharmacy is a term used to describe the simultaneous use of multiple drugs to treat a combination of health conditions. Since people tend to have more health concerns as they age, polypharmacy is more common in older adults. The consistent use of multiple drugs increases the potential for drug interactions and adverse reactions to one or more of their medications. #2 Reduced Kidney and Liver Function The kidney and liver are responsible for metabolizing and excreting drugs through the body. As people age, the function of these essential organs sometimes begins to decline

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Aging

2 years ago

Societal Views on Aging

What do you think comes to mind when people see the term elderly? Do they picture themselves helping kind older women across the street or perhaps reading to a room full of people at the local nursing home? Sadly, society’s views on aging have changed dramatically in recent years. Rather than helping elderly family members as they progress through their latter stage of life, many people view them as a burden. But was it always this way — and is there anything we can do to change the current societal views on aging? Join us as we break down the good, the bad and the ugly of ageism in the United States and beyond and what you can do to positively impact the elderly community. What Is Ageism — And Is It the Same Around the Globe? Ageism refers to the social prejudice that people sometimes experience based on their age. For example, some individuals in their teens or early 20s won’t receive an interest-free credit card because they’re young and “inexperienced” when it comes to handling their finances. Similarly, older adults experience various degrees of age bias. Sometimes, family members assume their elderly family members aren’t competent enough to drive their car. Other times, someone will insist on helping them complete a task that they believe they’re not strong enough to complete on their own. But is ageism practiced similarly around the world, or are certain cultures more prone to conforming to stereotypes against the elderly? Western societies like our own often focus more heavily on the glory and benefits of youth and are less likely to prioritize taking care of older family members as they age

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Physiology

2 years ago

What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Sunlight?

From sunburns and dark spots to more severe long-term consequences like skin cancer, you may be all too familiar with the potential repercussions of enjoying one too many beach days without sunscreen. And while it’s likely that your parents discussed the negative effects of having a little too much fun in the sun, they probably never took the time to go over what happens if you don’t get enough of it. The sun’s potentially damaging UV rays are the very same ones that provide your body with a natural form of vitamin D: an essential nutrient that keeps your bones healthy, reduces inflammation and supports your immune health and metabolism. But what happens when you’re not receiving enough sunlight? While it’s safe to say you won’t turn into a vampire, it is possible to experience some less-than-pleasant effects. In this article, we discuss the potential impacts of not getting enough sunlight and how much sun you actually need.

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Aging

2 years ago

The Impacts of an Aging Population on Society

Those born between 1946 and 1964 grew up in a completely different era than the one we’re familiar with today. World War II had just ended, “It’s a Wonderful Life” had mesmerized audiences and the first season of “I Love Lucy” premiered to over 10 million viewers. People were living the American Dream, and with that dream came an abundance of babies, hence the generational name “baby boomers.” In 2022, baby boomers became the second largest generational group in the United States with 69.6 million people ranging from ages 58 to 76. Even now, as they continue to age, more and more baby boomers are retiring every day. As it stands, approximately 10,000 people reach the retirement age of 65 daily. But how will a rapidly aging population impact society as we know it? Its effects will be felt on a national level as well as a personal level, as we outline in detail below. The Economic Implications of an Aging Population Could Be Significant The sizeable number of older people retiring every week translates to a smaller pool of working-age people

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Physiology

2 years ago

The Role of Bacteria in Gut Health, Digestion and Immunity

What comes to mind when you think of bacteria? Infection? Illness? While these ailments are often associated with bacteria, not all species of bacteria cause harm. Some are actually quite beneficial, and understanding how these microorganisms operate will make you feel much better about knowing that they’re alive inside you right now. Bacteria are tiny organisms — living things — that exist within the bodies of humans and animals and in just about every environment on the planet. To give you an idea of just how small bacteria are, compare these single-celled microbes to the average adult human male, who is made up of more than an estimated 37 trillion cells. Despite their microscopic size, bacteria have the potential to do a great deal of harm or good within our bodies. What Is Gut Flora? Our digestive system (or gastrointestinal system) is home to five different types of bacteria, each of which contains multiple bacterial species. Bacteria are an important part of our flora, or the organisms that live in our bodies

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Aging

2 years ago

Geropsychology: Helping Older Adults Thrive

The field of psychology has grown immensely in recent decades. What began as the study of the adult mind and behavior in 1879 has since expanded to an array of specialties, from military psychology to child psychology and everything in between. It should come as no surprise, then, that there’s a new branch of psychology on the block and it goes by the name of geropsychology. This up-and-coming specialty applies a combination of traditional and modern psychological methods to help people aged 65 and older. Whether you’re interested in becoming a psychologist with a focus on the elderly population or you’d simply like to utilize some of its practices in your line of work, today we’re answering the question, “What is geropsychology?” and discussing some of the common topics this specialty addresses. Geropsychology: A Brief History By the 1950s, psychology had comfortably nestled itself next to many other established specialties in the behavioral sciences. It was during this time that scientists began to study the cognitive and emotional abilities of humans as they entered the latter phase of their lives. In the 1970s, more formal training in clinical geropsychology began to improve the lives of older adults as they faced impending hurdles like mental and physical decline or the deaths of loved ones

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Physiology

2 years ago

What Is a Supertaster? Definition, Traits and How to Test Yourself

It’s a tale as old as time. Growing up, your family tried to instill a love of broccoli and other leafy greens in you, but it never quite took. Now, you might be an adult who still doesn’t appreciate certain veggies, coffee or spicy foods. Perhaps you’d even go so far as to call yourself a picky eater. If so, have you ever considered whether you might be a supertaster? While being a supertaster might sound like a covetable superpower, the one in four people who find themselves with this ability might not always see it as a blessing. When it comes down to it, there’s one question on everyone’s mind: What is a supertaster? Join us as we answer this and all your other burning questions related to supertasters.

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Aging

3 years ago

How Aging Affects the Nervous System

As the source of all our senses, thoughts, memories, movements, and other essential daily functions of our body, our nervous system has a tremendous impact on the way we age. The nervous system is composed of two main parts: the central nervous system, consisting of the brain and the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, comprised of the nerves located throughout the body. We have increasing risks with age, such as stroke, traumatic injury, and age-related neurological diseases. All these conditions can cause significant neuronal damage. According to scientific research, the nervous system can potentially restore its function after damage

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Aging

3 years ago

Lifestyle Factors and Aging

It’s been said that age is “only a number.” The fact that many senior citizens are living active, healthy lives and living longer than ever before certainly supports that notion. In 1920, the average American lived 54.1 years. By 2020 that number had climbed to 77 years — a 42% longer lifespan. Ideally, modern seniors can spend these additional years maintaining a high quality of life. To achieve this, however, it’s important we do not prematurely age ourselves

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Aging

3 years ago

How Nutrition and Exercise Can Help Preserve Independence in Aging Adults

Many factors impact our ability to stay independent as we age. Injuries, heredity and complications from diseases, in addition to the natural aging process itself, can rob us of our self-sufficiency. But how can older adults, healthy or otherwise, prolong their independence? In short, good nutritional habits and regular exercise. These lifestyle choices have been shown to help both healthy older adults and those with health challenges remain independent longer. Below, we’ll address some widely applicable ways to preserve independence as well as some novel ways based on research

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