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
061 Using Technology to Balance Safety & Autonomy in Dementia
March 22, 2018 13:00 - 34 minutes - 35.1 MBDr. K talks with Mary Hulme, a geriatric social worker specialized in dementia. They discuss how new technologies can help families address safety issues while encouraging autonomy and otherwise respecting an older person's goals. The post 061 Interview: Using Technology to Balance Safety & Autonomy in Dementia appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
061 – Interview: Using Technology to Balance Safety & Autonomy in Dementia
March 22, 2018 13:00Dr. K talks with Mary Hulme, a geriatric social worker specialized in dementia. They discuss how new technologies can help families address safety issues while encouraging autonomy and otherwise respecting an older person's goals.
060 Negotiating Family Caregiving Expectations After Hospitalization
March 08, 2018 16:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MBDr. K talks with caregiving expert Carol Levine, Director of the Families and Health Care Project at the United Hospital Fund of New York. They discuss negotiating caregiving expectations with hospital staff and older loved ones, setting limits, getting help, and much more. The post 060 Interview: Negotiating Family Caregiving Expectations After Hospitalization appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
060 – Interview: Negotiating Family Caregiving Expectations After Hospitalization
March 08, 2018 16:00Dr. K talks with caregiving expert Carol Levine, Director of the Families and Health Care Project at the United Hospital Fund of New York. They discuss negotiating caregiving expectations with hospital staff and older loved ones, setting limits, getting help, and much more.
059 Long-Term Care Insurance and Financing Late-Life Care Needs
February 22, 2018 14:00 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBDr. K talks with Howard Gleckman, a family caregiving and long-term care insurance expert. They discuss long-term care insurance, family caregiving, the struggles many older adults and families face in paying for late-life care, and much more. The post 059 Interview: Long-Term Care Insurance & Financing Late-Life Care Needs appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
059 – Interview: Long-Term Care Insurance & Financing Late-Life Care Needs
February 22, 2018 14:00Dr. K talks with Howard Gleckman, a family caregiving and long-term care insurance expert. They discuss long-term care insurance, family caregiving, the struggles many older adults and families face in paying for late-life care, and much more.
058 – Avoiding Missed Flu in Older Adults
February 08, 2018 14:00Dr. K explains why influenza is easily missed in older adults and what families can do, to help their older loved ones get promptly diagnosed and treated before it's too late. She covers why flu symptoms are often different in aging people, the latest CDC recommendations, what to know about flu tests and treatment, and much more.
058 Avoiding Missed Flu in Older Adults
February 08, 2018 14:00 - 43 minutes - 46.9 MBDr. K explains why influenza is easily missed in older adults and what families can do, to help their older loved ones get promptly diagnosed and treated before it's too late. She covers why flu symptoms are often different in aging people, the latest CDC recommendations, what to know about flu tests and treatment, and much more. The post 058 Avoiding Missed Flu in Older Adults appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
057 – How to Manage Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Better Brain Health
January 25, 2018 14:00Dr. K explains what to know and do about cardiovascular risk factors, which often contribute to cerebral small vessel disease, a common brain health problem in older adults. She covers 12 key factors to discuss with healthcare providers, and 5 top approaches that most aging adults can use, to decrease their cardiovascular risk.
057 How to Manage Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Better Brain Health
January 25, 2018 14:00 - 51 minutes - 55.4 MBDr. K explains what to know and do about cardiovascular risk factors, which often contribute to cerebral small vessel disease, a common brain health problem in older adults. She covers 12 key factors to discuss with healthcare providers, and 5 top approaches that most aging adults can use, to decrease their cardiovascular risk. The post 057 How to Manage Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Better Brain Health appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
056 – Top 10 Checklist for Better Health This Year
January 11, 2018 14:00Dr. K shares her top ten aging health suggestions, for older adults and families to consider for the New Year. Her suggestions cover mobility, brain health, medication safety, dreaming big, and more.
056 Top 10 Checklist for Better Health This Year
January 11, 2018 14:00 - 34 minutes - 37.5 MBDr. K shares her top ten aging health suggestions, for older adults and families to consider for the New Year. Her suggestions cover mobility, brain health, medication safety, dreaming big, and more. The post 056 Top 10 Checklist for Better Health This Year appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
055 – Interview: Bill Thomas on Ageism & Innovations to Improve Aging
December 28, 2017 14:00Dr. K talks with geriatrician Bill Thomas, MD, founder of the Eden Alternative and aging innovator extraordinaire. They discuss aging, how to counter ageism, his latest projects centered on housing and fostering independence, and much more.
055 Bill Thomas on Ageism and Innovations to Improve Aging
December 28, 2017 14:00 - 48 minutes - 47.5 MBDr. K talks with geriatrician Bill Thomas, MD, founder of the Eden Alternative and aging innovator extraordinaire. They discuss aging, how to counter ageism, his latest projects centered on housing and fostering independence, and much more. The post 055 Interview: Bill Thomas on Ageism & Innovations to Improve Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
054 – How to Make Difficult Decisions Easier: Using Goals of Care & Weighing Benefits vs Burdens
December 14, 2017 14:00Dr. K discusses a reader's dilemma concerning his resistant 96-year-old father, and explains how using two foundational concepts -- goals of care, and weighing benefits versus burdens -- can help families work through difficult decisions. Plus tips on addressing difficult aging topics with older relatives.
054 How to Make Difficult Decisions Easier: Using Goals of Care and Benefits vs Burdens
December 14, 2017 14:00 - 43 minutes - 47.6 MBDr. K discusses a reader's dilemma concerning his resistant 96-year-old father, and explains how using two foundational concepts -- goals of care, and weighing benefits versus burdens -- can help families work through difficult decisions. Plus tips on addressing difficult aging topics with older relatives. The post 054 How to Make Difficult Decisions Easier: Using Goals of Care & Weighing Benefits vs Burdens appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
053 – Interview: Addressing Loneliness in Aging
November 30, 2017 14:00Dr. K talks with Carla Perissinotto, MD, a nationally known expert on loneliness in aging. They discuss how loneliness and social isolation impact health, what to do if you're concerned about an older person, available programs and services to reduce isolation, how to plan ahead for socially connected aging, and much more.
053 Addressing Loneliness in Aging
November 30, 2017 14:00 - 41 minutes - 41.4 MBDr. K talks with Carla Perissinotto, MD, a nationally known expert on loneliness in aging. They discuss how loneliness and social isolation impact health, what to do if you're concerned about an older person, available programs and services to reduce isolation, how to plan ahead for socially connected aging, and much more. The post 053 Interview: Addressing Loneliness in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
052 – Maintaining Mobility & Preventing Falls in Aging: Myths & Truths
November 16, 2017 14:00Dr. K talks with Tiffany Shubert, a physical therapist and fall prevention expert. They discuss several common questions related to exercise and aging, including what types are best, whether chair and water exercises prevent falls, what to know about canes and walkers, and much more.
052 Maintaining Mobility and Preventing Falls in Aging: Myths and Truths
November 16, 2017 14:00 - 43 minutes - 44.9 MBDr. K talks with Tiffany Shubert, a physical therapist and fall prevention expert. They discuss several common questions related to exercise and aging, including what types are best, whether chair and water exercises prevent falls, what to know about canes and walkers, and much more. The post 052 Maintaining Mobility & Preventing Falls in Aging: Myths & Truths appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
051 – Interview: Innovations to Help Older Adults & Family Caregivers
November 02, 2017 13:00Dr. K talks with Anne Tumlinson, founder of Daughterhood.org. They discuss what families struggle with the most, the upcoming Aging 2.0 Optimize Conference, promising innovations to help family caregivers and older adults, and more.
051 Innovations to Help Older Adults and Family Caregivers
November 02, 2017 13:00 - 37 minutes - 35.6 MBDr. K talks with Anne Tumlinson, founder of Daughterhood.org. They discuss what families struggle with the most, the upcoming Aging 2.0 Optimize Conference, promising innovations to help family caregivers and older adults, and more. The post 051 Interview: Innovations to Help Older Adults & Family Caregivers appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
050 – Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know
October 19, 2017 13:00Dr. K explains what all older adults and family caregivers should know about the annual flu shot. 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.
050 Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know
October 19, 2017 13:00 - 40 minutes - 43.8 MBDr. K explains what all older adults and family caregivers should know about the annual flu shot. 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 050 Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
049 Better Primary Care for Older Adults: the Oak Street Health Story
October 05, 2017 13:00 - 1 hour - 66.1 MBDr. K talks with Griffin Myers, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Oak Street Health, a Chicago-based network of primary care clinics designed to serve older adults. They discuss the problems with usual primary care and how Oak Street Health is providing better services without charging extra fees. The post 049 Better Primary Care for Older Adults: the Oak Street Health Story appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
049 – Better Primary Care for Older Adults: the Oak Street Health Story
October 05, 2017 13:00Dr. K talks with Griffin Myers, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Oak Street Health, a Chicago-based network of primary care clinics designed to serve older adults. They discuss the problems with usual primary care and how Oak Street Health is providing better services without charging extra fees.
048 – How Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Affects Most Aging Brains
September 21, 2017 13:00Dr. K explains what to know about cerebral small vessel disease, a very common brain condition linked to cognitive decline, balance and walking problems, dementia, and other significant health issues in older adults.
048 How Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Affects Most Aging Brains
September 21, 2017 13:00 - 40 minutes - 43.9 MBDr. K explains what to know about cerebral small vessel disease, a very common brain condition linked to cognitive decline, balance and walking problems, dementia, and other significant health issues in older adults. The post 048 How Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Affects Most Aging Brains appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
047 – Unintended Weight Loss in Aging
September 07, 2017 19:00Dr. K explains what to know and what to do, if you're concerned about an older person who is losing weight. She also covers the most common causes of weight loss, how this serious problem should be evaluated, and when to consider appetite stimulants or nutritional supplements.
047 Unintended Weight Loss in Aging
September 07, 2017 19:00 - 28 minutes - 31 MBDr. K explains what to know and what to do, if you're concerned about an older person who is losing weight. She also covers the most common causes of weight loss, how this serious problem should be evaluated, and when to consider appetite stimulants or nutritional supplements. The post 047 Unintended Weight Loss in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
046 – Interview: Deprescribing & Reducing Risky Medications in Aging
August 24, 2017 13:00Dr. K talks about deprescribing risky medications with geriatrician Dr. Cara Tannenbaum, an expert on empowering older adults to avoid potentially inappropriate medications. They discuss why sleeping pills and sedatives have been a particular focus of attention in Canada, which medications are most important to deprescribe, and much more.
046 Deprescribing and Reducing Risky Medications in Aging
August 24, 2017 13:00 - 48 minutes - 45.1 MBDr. K talks about deprescribing risky medications with geriatrician Dr. Cara Tannenbaum, an expert on empowering older adults to avoid potentially inappropriate medications. They discuss why sleeping pills and sedatives have been a particular focus of attention in Canada, which medications are most important to deprescribe, and much more. The post 046 Interview: Deprescribing & Reducing Risky Medications in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
045 HIPAA: Key Basics and 5 FAQs for Family Caregivers
August 10, 2017 13:00 - 42 minutes - 46.5 MBDr. K explains 5 key basics that all family caregivers should know about the HIPAA Privacy Rule, and your options for getting doctors to share information about an older relative's health. She also covers what you can do if the older person can't or won't give written consent, and addresses other common caregiver questions. The post 045 HIPAA: Key Basics & 5 FAQs for Family Caregivers appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
045 – HIPAA: Key Basics & 5 FAQs for Family Caregivers
August 10, 2017 13:00Dr. K explains 5 key basics that all family caregivers should know about the HIPAA Privacy Rule, and your options for getting doctors to share information about an older relative's health. She also covers what you can do if the older person can't or won't give written consent, and addresses other common caregiver questions.
044 – Hospice Medications & What to do if You’re Concerned
July 27, 2017 12:00Dr. K addresses concerns about the use of morphine and lorazepam (brand name Ativan) while on hospice care. She explains how these drugs can be used for end of life symptoms, what the research and expert guidelines recommend, and what you can do if you're concerned about a relative's hospice care.
044 Hospice Medications and What to do if You're Concerned
July 27, 2017 12:00 - 40 minutes - 43.6 MBDr. K addresses concerns about the use of morphine and lorazepam (brand name Ativan) while on hospice care. She explains how these drugs can be used for end of life symptoms, what the research and expert guidelines recommend, and what you can do if you're concerned about a relative's hospice care. The post 044 Hospice Medications & What to do if You’re Concerned appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
043 – How Hospice Helps at the End of Life, & Hospice for Alzheimer’s
July 13, 2017 12:00Dr. K explains the basics of hospice, with a special focus on hospice for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. She also addresses common misperceptions people have about hospice and palliative care, and explains how to know when someone with dementia might be eligible for hospice.
043 How Hospice Helps at the End of Life, and Hospice for Alzheimer's
July 13, 2017 12:00 - 38 minutes - 42.9 MBDr. K explains the basics of hospice, with a special focus on hospice for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. She also addresses common misperceptions people have about hospice and palliative care, and explains how to know when someone with dementia might be eligible for hospice. The post 043 How Hospice Helps at the End of Life, & Hospice for Alzheimer’s appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
042 – Why Healthcare is Flawed & How to Improve It: The Work of Dr. Lawrence Weed
June 29, 2017 12:00Dr. K explains healthcare's fundamental flaws and how to fix them, as articulated by the visionary healthcare reformer Dr. Larry Weed, who died this month at age 93. Includes tips on how to get better care in today's healthcare system.
042 Why Healthcare is Flawed and How to Improve It: The Work of Dr. Lawrence Weed
June 29, 2017 12:00 - 46 minutes - 51.7 MBDr. K explains healthcare's fundamental flaws and how to fix them, as articulated by the visionary healthcare reformer Dr. Larry Weed, who died this month at age 93. Includes tips on how to get better care in today's healthcare system. The post 042 Why Healthcare is Flawed & How to Improve It: The Work of Dr. Lawrence Weed appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
041 – UTIs and Urine Bacteria in Aging: How to get the right diagnosis & avoid unneeded antibiotics
June 15, 2017 12:00Dr. K explains why having bacteria in one's urine does NOT mean one has a urinary tract infection (UTI) that requires antibiotics. It's actually common for older adults to have bacteria in the urine but no UTI symptoms or other signs of infection. This condition, called "asymptomatic bacteriuria" is often inappropriately treated by doctors. Learn how UTIs should be diagnosed in older adults, and how to avoid unneeded antibiotic treatments.
041 UTIs and Urine Bacteria in Aging: How to get the right diagnosis and avoid unneeded antibiotics
June 15, 2017 12:00 - 32 minutes - 36.1 MBDr. K explains why having bacteria in one's urine does NOT mean one has a urinary tract infection (UTI) that requires antibiotics. It's actually common for older adults to have bacteria in the urine but no UTI symptoms or other signs of infection. This condition, called "asymptomatic bacteriuria" is often inappropriately treated by doctors. Learn how UTIs should be diagnosed in older adults, and how to avoid unneeded antibiotic treatments. The post 041 UTIs and Urine Bacteria in Aging: How...
040 – Dehydration in Older Adults: How to Prevent It, Detect It, & Treat It
June 01, 2017 11:00Dr. K explains how to prevent, detect, and treat dehydration in aging adults. She also explains why seniors are at higher risk, why certain commonly used tests for dehydration can be misleading, the relationship between dehydration and urinary tract infections, and much more.
040 Dehydration in Older Adults: How to Prevent It, Detect It, and Treat It
June 01, 2017 11:00 - 45 minutes - 45 MBDr. K explains how to prevent, detect, and treat dehydration in aging adults. She also explains why seniors are at higher risk, why certain commonly used tests for dehydration can be misleading, the relationship between dehydration and urinary tract infections, and much more. The post 040 Dehydration in Older Adults: How to Prevent It, Detect It, & Treat It appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
039 – Interview: Creating Age-Friendly Health Systems
May 18, 2017 12:00Dr. K discusses age-friendly health systems with Amy Berman of the John A Hartford Foundation. They cover what is an age-friendly health system, how it benefits older adults and families, how JAHF plans to pilot and expand these systems, and much more.
039 Creating Age-Friendly Health Systems
May 18, 2017 12:00 - 38 minutes - 36.1 MBDr. K discusses age-friendly health systems with Amy Berman of the John A Hartford Foundation. They cover what is an age-friendly health system, how it benefits older adults and families, how JAHF plans to pilot and expand these systems, and much more. The post 039 Interview: Creating Age-Friendly Health Systems appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
038 – FAQs On “Incompetence” & Losing Decision Capacity
May 04, 2017 12:00Worried about an older person's decisions? Dr. K addresses FAQs about decision-making abilities and concerns about "incompetence." She also provides practical advice on what you can do if you're concerned that an older person is making "bad" decisions.
038 FAQs On "Incompetence" and Losing Decision Capacity in Aging
May 04, 2017 12:00 - 41 minutes - 43.4 MBWorried about an older person's decisions? Dr. K addresses FAQs about decision-making abilities and concerns about "incompetence." She also provides practical advice on what you can do if you're concerned that an older person is making "bad" decisions. The post 038 FAQs On “Incompetence” & Losing Decision Capacity appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
037 Using Powers of Attorney to Help Older Adults
April 20, 2017 12:00 - 44 minutes - 42.9 MBDr. K talks with elder law attorney Harry Margolis. They discuss the durable general power of attorney as a tool to help a declining older parent, including how to minimize related family conflicts. The post 037 Interview: Using Powers of Attorney to Help Older Adults appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
037 – Interview: Using Powers of Attorney to Help Older Adults
April 20, 2017 12:00Dr. K talks with elder law attorney Harry Margolis. They discuss the durable general power of attorney as a tool to help a declining older parent, including how to minimize related family conflicts.