Better Health While Aging
272 episodes - English - Latest episode: 27 days ago - ★★★★★ - 109 ratingsPractical information for aging health & family caregivers
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Episodes
086 – Interview: Creating Age-Friendly Health Systems at UCSF
March 07, 2019 14:00Dr. K talks with geriatrician Stephanie Rogers about new UCSF programs that make hospital care better and safer for older adults. They cover Acute Care for Elders units, delirium reduction, hip fracture care, and much more.
086 Creating Age-Friendly Health Systems at UCSF
March 07, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 47.1 MBDr. K talks with geriatrician Stephanie Rogers about new UCSF programs that make hospital care better and safer for older adults. They cover Acute Care for Elders units, delirium reduction, hip fracture care, and much more. The post 086 – Interview: Creating Age-Friendly Health Systems at UCSF appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
085 – Understanding Lab Tests: 4 Common Blood Tests for Older Adults
February 21, 2019 14:00Dr. K explains the 4 most common blood tests ordered for older adults: what they are, why they are commonly ordered and what they can tell us about a person's health. She also covers what to ask, when discussing your results with your health providers.
085 4 Blood Tests Often Ordered for Older Adults
February 21, 2019 14:00 - 38 minutes - 30.4 MBDr. K explains the 4 most common blood tests ordered for older adults: what they are, why they are commonly ordered and what they can tell us about a person's health. She also covers what to ask, when discussing your results with your health providers. The post 085 Understanding Lab Tests: 4 Common Blood Tests for Older Adults appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
084 Understanding White Matter Changes in Aging Brains
February 07, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBDr. K talks with neurologist Fanny Elahi, MD PhD, an expert on white matter changes and cerebral small vessel disease. They discuss why these brain changes are so common in aging, how they can affect memory and balance, how they relate to vascular dementia, what's known about prevention and treatment, and much more. The post 084 Interview: Understanding White Matter Changes in the Aging Brain appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
084 – Interview: Understanding White Matter Changes in the Aging Brain
February 07, 2019 14:00Dr. K talks with neurologist Fanny Elahi, MD PhD, an expert on white matter changes and cerebral small vessel disease. They discuss why these brain changes are so common in aging, how they can affect memory and balance, how they relate to vascular dementia, what's known about prevention and treatment, and much more.
083 Disrupting Aging and Creating Dementia-Friendly Communities
January 24, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 42.4 MBDr. K talks with ChangingAging s Kavan Peterson about working with Dr. Bill Thomas to create dementia-friendly communities, disrupting ageism, why housing and multigenerational interactions matter, and much more. The post 083 Interview: Disrupting Dementia and Creating Dementia-Friendly Communities appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
083 – Interview: Disrupting Dementia and Creating Dementia-Friendly Communities
January 24, 2019 14:00Dr. K talks with ChangingAging’s Kavan Peterson about working with Dr. Bill Thomas to create dementia-friendly communities, disrupting ageism, why housing and multigenerational interactions matter, and much more.
082- Interview: Bill Thomas on Housing & Communities as Engines of Independence in Aging
January 10, 2019 14:00Dr. K talks with geriatrician Bill Thomas, founder of Changing Aging. They discuss his recent focus on housing and communities as engines of independence in aging, through the Minka house and MAGIC community concept. They also discuss ageism, whether to age in place, and much more.
082 Bill Thomas on Housing and Communities for Better Aging
January 10, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBDr. K talks with geriatrician Bill Thomas, founder of Changing Aging. They discuss his recent focus on housing and communities as engines of independence in aging, through the Minka house and MAGIC community concept. They also discuss ageism, whether to age in place, and much more. The post 082- Interview: Bill Thomas on Housing & Communities as Engines of Independence in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
081 – Interview: How to Plan Ahead for Your Later Years
December 27, 2018 14:00Dr. K discusses how older adults can plan for their own aging needs with expert Carol Levine, Director of the Families and Health Care Project at the United Hospital Fund of New York and author of "Navigating Your Later Years For Dummies." They cover whether to plan to age in place, what's most important to tell your family, options for getting long-term care services, and much more.
081 How to Plan Ahead for Your Later Years
December 27, 2018 14:00 - 51 minutes - 34.1 MBDr. K discusses how older adults can plan for their own aging needs with expert Carol Levine, Director of the Families and Health Care Project at the United Hospital Fund of New York and author of "Navigating Your Later Years For Dummies." They cover whether to plan to age in place, what's most important to tell your family, options for getting long-term care services, and much more. The post 081 Interview: How to Plan Ahead for Your Later Years appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
080 Smartwatches as Medical Alert Devices
December 13, 2018 14:00 - 1 hour - 40.8 MBDr. K talks with Richard Caro about his recent in-depth analysis and testing of 4 smartwatches as medical alert devices for older adults. They discuss the new fall detection built into the Apple Watch 4, key features to consider, whether these are suitable for people with dementia, and much more. The post 080 Interview: Smartwatches as Medical Alert Devices (What to Know & How to Choose) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
080 – Interview: Smartwatches as Medical Alert Devices (What to Know & How to Choose)
December 13, 2018 14:00Dr. K talks with Richard Caro about his recent in-depth analysis and testing of 4 smartwatches as medical alert devices for older adults. They discuss the new fall detection built into the Apple Watch 4, key features to consider, whether these are suitable for people with dementia, and much more.
079 – QA: Advice for Older Parents Frustrated by Their Family’s Concerns
November 29, 2018 14:00Dr. K addresses an older parent's concerns and frustrations regarding her son's attempts to help her with her health, and their differing views on what she needs. She covers how to help family understand your priorities, how to discuss what matters most, how to negotiate a better approach, and much more.
079 For Aging Parents Upset by Their Child's Concerns
November 29, 2018 14:00 - 30 minutes - 23 MBDr. K addresses an older parent's concerns and frustrations regarding her son's attempts to help her with her health, and their differing views on what she needs. She covers how to help family understand your priorities, how to discuss what matters most, how to negotiate a better approach, and much more. The post 079 QA: Advice for Older Parents Frustrated by Their Family’s Concerns appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
078 The Biology of Aging and Longevity
November 15, 2018 14:00 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBDr. K talks with geroscientist John Newman, MD PhD, about aging as a biological process that can be affected by diet, metabolism, and much more. They discuss Dr. Newman's research on ketogenic diets and memory in mice, applying geroscience to treat age-related problems, and much more. The post 078 Interview: The Biology of Aging & Longevity appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
078 – Interview: The Biology of Aging & Longevity
November 15, 2018 14:00Dr. K talks with geroscientist John Newman, MD PhD, about aging as a biological process that can be affected by diet, metabolism, and much more. They discuss Dr. Newman's research on ketogenic diets and memory in mice, applying geroscience to treat age-related problems, and much more.
077 Making Advance Care Planning Easier Through PREPARE
November 01, 2018 13:00 - 51 minutes - 178 BytesDr. K talks with Rebecca Sudore, MD, an expert on end-of-life planning and the creator of PrepareForYourCare.org. They discuss why talking about what matters is so important, easy-to-read advance directives and other tools Dr. Sudore has developed, how to help reluctant older adults address advance care planning, and much more. The post 077 Interview: Making Advance Care Planning Easier Through PREPARE appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
077 – Interview: Making Advance Care Planning Easier Through PREPARE
November 01, 2018 13:00Dr. K talks with Rebecca Sudore, MD, an expert on end-of-life planning and the creator of PrepareForYourCare.org. They discuss why talking about what matters is so important, easy-to-read advance directives and other tools Dr. Sudore has developed, how to help reluctant older adults address advance care planning, and much more.
076 Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know in 2018
October 18, 2018 13:00 - 40 minutes - 43.8 MBDr. K explains what all older adults and family caregivers should know about the annual flu shot, with updates for 2018. She covers the basics of falling ill from influenza, how the vaccines work, which flu shots are specifically designed for older adults, which one she thinks is best for most aging adults, what to do if your older relative is refusing the flu shot, and much more. The post 076 Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know (2018 Update) appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
076 – Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know (2018 Update)
October 18, 2018 13:00Dr. K explains what all older adults and family caregivers should know about the annual flu shot, with updates for 2018. She covers the basics of falling ill from influenza, how the vaccines work, which flu shots are specifically designed for older adults, which one she thinks is best for most aging adults, what to do if your older relative is refusing the flu shot, and much more.
075 – Preventing Falls: 4 Approaches to Ask Your Doctor About
October 04, 2018 13:00Dr. K reviews her four most used fall prevention approaches, which are routine in geriatrics care but are often overlooked by busy primary care providers. She also covers recent research on the benefits of Tai Chi, and explains why vitamin D is no longer recommended for fall prevention.
075 Preventing Falls: 4 Approaches to Ask Your Doctor About
October 04, 2018 13:00 - 27 minutes - 178 BytesDr. K reviews her four most used fall prevention approaches, which are routine in geriatrics care but are often overlooked by busy primary care providers. She also covers recent research on the benefits of Tai Chi, and explains why vitamin D is no longer recommended for fall prevention. The post 075 Preventing Falls: 4 Approaches to Ask Your Doctor About appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
074 – Interview: How the Village Model Supports Aging in Place & Community
September 20, 2018 13:00Dr. K talks with Berkeley's Professor Andrew Scharlach about the Village model and community-based approaches to aging in place. They discuss the unique aspects of the Village model, the related research on how Villages seem to benefit older adults, and much more.
074 How Villages Support Aging in Community and Aging in Place
September 20, 2018 13:00 - 1 hour - 178 BytesDr. K talks with Berkeley's Professor Andrew Scharlach about the Village model and community-based approaches to aging in place. They discuss the unique aspects of the Village model, the related research on how Villages seem to benefit older adults, and much more. The post 074 Interview: How the Village Model Supports Aging in Place & Community appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
073 – Anticholinergic Medications & Protecting Brain Health
September 06, 2018 13:00Dr. K explains what older adults and families should know about anticholinergic medications and their negative impact on brain health. Many commonly used over-the-counter and prescription medications are anticholinergic, and on the Beer's List of Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or Use With Caution. Learn about seven often-used types of medication that are anticholinergic, who should particularly be careful about these medications, what to do if you're taking them, and more.
073 Anticholinergic Medications and Protecting Brain Health
September 06, 2018 13:00 - 27 minutes - 178 BytesDr. K explains what older adults and families should know about anticholinergic medications and their negative impact on brain health. Many commonly used over-the-counter and prescription medications are anticholinergic, and on the Beer's List of Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or Use With Caution. Learn about seven often-used types of medication that are anticholinergic, who should particularly be careful about these medications, what to do if you're taking them, and more. The post 073...
072 How Memory and Thinking Change With Normal Cognitive Aging
August 23, 2018 13:00 - 47 minutes - 178 BytesDr. K explains six ways that memory and thinking change, as part of normal cognitive aging. She also covers the practical implications of such changes, sensible ways to maintain brain function, problems that should never be considered normal, and much more. The post 072 Cognitive Aging: How Memory & Thinking Change as One Gets Older appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
072 – Cognitive Aging: How Memory & Thinking Change as One Gets Older
August 23, 2018 13:00Dr. K explains six ways that memory and thinking change, as part of normal cognitive aging. She also covers the practical implications of such changes, sensible ways to maintain brain function, problems that should never be considered normal, and much more.
071 – Interview: How Estimating Life Expectancy Helps Older Adults Get Better Care
August 09, 2018 13:00Dr. K talks with Sei Lee, MD, an expert on prognosis and using estimated life expectancy to improve medical care for older adults. They discuss mortality calculators, how to focus medical care on what matters most to older people, why diabetes care and certain forms of prevention should often be reconsidered, and much more.
071 How Estimating Life Expectancy Helps Older Adults Get Better Care
August 09, 2018 13:00 - 1 hour - 178 BytesDr. K talks with Sei Lee, MD, an expert on prognosis and using estimated life expectancy to improve medical care for older adults. They discuss mortality calculators, how to focus medical care on what matters most to older people, why diabetes care and certain forms of prevention should often be reconsidered, and much more. The post 071 Interview: How Estimating Life Expectancy Helps Older Adults Get Better Care appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
070 – Interview: Addressing & Preventing Financial Exploitation in Aging
July 26, 2018 13:00Dr. K talks with attorney Candace Heisler, JD, an expert on addressing financial exploitation and other forms of elder abuse. They discuss common ways in which older adults are often financially abused, the role of trust and relationships, what can be done if you suspect financial abuse, and much more.
070 Addressing and Preventing Financial Exploitation in Aging
July 26, 2018 13:00 - 1 hour - 178 BytesDr. K talks with attorney Candace Heisler, JD, an expert on addressing financial exploitation and other forms of elder abuse. They discuss common ways in which older adults are often financially abused, the role of trust and relationships, what can be done if you suspect financial abuse, and much more. The post 070 Interview: Addressing & Preventing Financial Exploitation in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
069 Evaluating Memory and Thinking Problems: 10 Things Health Providers Should Do
July 12, 2018 13:00 - 46 minutes - 178 BytesDr. K explains 10 things health providers should do, during the initial medical evaluation of an older person with memory or thinking problems. She also covers ten common health issues that can affect cognition, what to expect from the evaluation, and more. The post 069 Evaluating Memory & Thinking Problems: 10 Causes & 10 Things to Check appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
069 – Evaluating Memory & Thinking Problems: 10 Causes & 10 Things to Check
July 12, 2018 13:00Dr. K explains 10 things health providers should do, during the initial medical evaluation of an older person with memory or thinking problems. She also covers ten common health issues that can affect cognition, what to expect from the evaluation, and more.
068 Putting Older Adults at the Center of Technology Conversations
June 28, 2018 13:00 - 53 minutes - 178 BytesDr. K talks with Richard Caro about the Longevity Explorers meetings, in which older adults discuss technology, common challenges, and their favorite solutions. They discuss what happens when older people meet in such peer groups, the benefits of involving them in codesigning innovations, and much more. The post 068 Interview: Putting Older Adults at the Center of Technology Conversations appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
068 – Interview: Putting Older Adults at the Center of Technology Conversations
June 28, 2018 13:00Dr. K talks with Richard Caro about the Longevity Explorers meetings, in which older adults discuss technology, common challenges, and their favorite solutions. They discuss what happens when older people meet in such peer groups, the benefits of involving them in codesigning innovations, and much more.
067 Managing Difficult Alzheimer's Behaviors Without Medications
June 14, 2018 13:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBDr. K talks with Paula Spencer Scott, author of the practical guide "Surviving Alzheimer s." They discuss how family caregivers can learn to manage difficult dementia behaviors, to maintain their sanity and better care for a loved one while minimizing risky medication use. They also cover a 7-step process that can be used to work through common problem situations. The post 067 Interview: Managing Difficult Alzheimer’s Behaviors Without Medications appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
067 – Interview: Managing Difficult Alzheimer’s Behaviors Without Medications
June 14, 2018 13:00Dr. K talks with Paula Spencer Scott, author of the practical guide "Surviving Alzheimer’s." They discuss how family caregivers can learn to manage difficult dementia behaviors, to maintain their sanity and better care for a loved one while minimizing risky medication use. They also cover a 7-step process that can be used to work through common problem situations.
066 Addressing Potential Self-Neglect in Older Adults
May 31, 2018 13:00 - 52 minutes - 41.1 MBDr. K discusses self-neglect in aging with Dr. Aanand Naik, a geriatrician with a special interest in this topic. They discuss how potential self-neglect can be detected, what it means to have the capacity for self-care and self-protection, what to do if you're concerned about a relative or neighbor, the role of Adult Protective Services, and much more. The post 066 Interview: Addressing Potential Self-Neglect in Older Adults appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
066 – Interview: Addressing Potential Self-Neglect in Older Adults
May 31, 2018 13:00Dr. K discusses self-neglect in aging with Dr. Aanand Naik, a geriatrician with a special interest in this topic. They discuss how potential self-neglect can be detected, what it means to have the capacity for self-care and self-protection, what to do if you're concerned about a relative or neighbor, the role of Adult Protective Services, and much more.
065 – Reconsidering “Successful Aging”
May 17, 2018 13:00For Older Americans Month, Dr. K reflects on what it means to successfully age, the role of resilience and adaptation, and how we might help support older adults in this.
065 Reconsidering Successful Aging
May 17, 2018 13:00 - 24 minutes - 26.5 MBFor Older Americans Month, Dr. K reflects on what it means to successfully age, the role of resilience and adaptation, and how we might help support older adults in this. The post 065 Reconsidering “Successful Aging” appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
064 – What to Know About Constipation & Laxatives
May 03, 2018 13:00Dr. K explains how older adults and families can prevent and manage constipation, including how to safely and effectively use over-the-counter laxatives. She also covers how constipation should be evaluated, medications that make it worse, the benefits of prunes and other lifestyle changes, and much more.
064 What to Know About Constipation and Laxatives
May 03, 2018 13:00 - 52 minutes - 57.7 MBDr. K explains how older adults and families can prevent and manage constipation, including how to safely and effectively use over-the-counter laxatives. She also covers how constipation should be evaluated, medications that make it worse, the benefits of prunes and other lifestyle changes, and much more. The post 064 What to Know About Constipation & Laxatives appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
063 – Giving Yourself (And Your Family) a Gift on National Healthcare Decisions Day
April 19, 2018 13:00Dr. K shares a personal story and explains why it's so important to address advance care planning, which is meant to provide others with guidance, since most of us will at some point be unable to make our own healthcare decisions. She covers key steps to take, two free online tools that make the process much easier, common pitfalls to avoid, and much more.
063 Giving Yourself (And Your Family) a Gift on National Healthcare Decisions Day
April 19, 2018 13:00 - 39 minutes - 42.2 MBDr. K shares a personal story and explains why it's so important to address advance care planning, which is meant to provide others with guidance, since most of us will at some point be unable to make our own healthcare decisions. She covers key steps to take, two free online tools that make the process much easier, common pitfalls to avoid, and much more. The post 063 Giving Yourself (And Your Family) a Gift on National Healthcare Decisions Day appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
062 Preventing Hospital Delirium and Maintaining Brain Health
April 05, 2018 20:00 - 57 minutes - 37.7 MBDr. K talks with geriatrician Sharon Inouye, MD MPH, nationally-known expert on delirium, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Director of the Aging Brain Center at the Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife. They discuss how to prevent and treat delirium, how it's related to dementia, how to maintain brain health while aging, and much more. The post 062 Interview: Preventing Hospital Delirium & Maintaining Brain Health appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
062 – Interview: Preventing Hospital Delirium & Maintaining Brain Health
April 05, 2018 20:00Dr. K talks with geriatrician Sharon Inouye, MD MPH, nationally-known expert on delirium, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Director of the Aging Brain Center at the Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife. They discuss how to prevent and treat delirium, how it's related to dementia, how to maintain brain health while aging, and much more.