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
036 – Interview: Minimizing Family Conflicts & Supporting Aging Parents
April 06, 2017 12:00Dr. K talks with Janet Benvenuti, family caregiving expert and author of "Don't Give Up on Me: Supporting Aging Parents Successfully." They discuss Janet's experiences negotiating caregiving with her parents and siblings, how boomers can better prepare for their own aging, and much more.
036 Minimizing Family Conflicts and Supporting Aging Parents
April 06, 2017 12:00 - 1 hour - 67.9 MBDr. K talks with Janet Benvenuti, family caregiving expert and author of "Don't Give Up on Me: Supporting Aging Parents Successfully." They discuss Janet's experiences negotiating caregiving with her parents and siblings, how boomers can better prepare for their own aging, and much more. The post 036 Interview: Minimizing Family Conflicts & Supporting Aging Parents appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
035 Aging in the Right Place
March 23, 2017 11:00 - 58 minutes - 61.1 MBDr. K talks with Stephen Golant, PhD, author of the book Aging in the Right Place. They discuss the pros and cons of aging in place, how seniors can figure out where is the right place to age, what is successful aging, and much more. The post 035 Interview: Aging in the Right Place appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
035 – Interview: Aging in the Right Place
March 23, 2017 11:00Dr. K talks with Stephen Golant, PhD, author of the book Aging in the Right Place. They discuss the pros and cons of aging in place, how seniors can figure out where is the right place to age, what is successful aging, and much more.
034 – Preventing Falls: 10 Types of Medication to Reconsider
March 09, 2017 13:00Dr. K reviews the ten types of medications that may be associated with falls in aging adults, and explains what the CDC is telling doctors and patients to do about these drugs.
034 Preventing Falls: 10 Types of Medication to Reconsider
March 09, 2017 13:00 - 38 minutes - 41.7 MBDr. K reviews the ten types of medications that may be associated with falls in aging adults, and explains what the CDC is telling doctors and patients to do about these drugs. The post 034 Preventing Falls: 10 Types of Medication to Reconsider appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
033 – Safer Treatments for Insomnia in Aging
February 23, 2017 13:00Dr. K explains how to safely and effectively treat insomnia in older adults, and why most seniors should avoid sleeping pills, which are bad for brain health. She also covers approaches to treating sleep problems in Alzheimer's.
033 Safer Treatments for Insomnia in Aging
February 23, 2017 13:00 - 25 minutes - 27 MBDr. K explains how to safely and effectively treat insomnia in older adults, and why most seniors should avoid sleeping pills, which are bad for brain health. She also covers approaches to treating sleep problems in Alzheimer's. The post 033 Safer Treatments for Insomnia in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
032 5 Top Causes of Sleep Problems in Aging
February 09, 2017 13:00 - 25 minutes - 27 MBDr. K explains the most common causes of insomnia and other sleep problems in older adults, and offers advice on how to get them correctly diagnosed. She also explains how sleep changes with aging. The post 032 5 Top Causes of Sleep Problems in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
032 – 5 Top Causes of Sleep Problems in Aging
February 09, 2017 13:00Dr. K explains the most common causes of insomnia and other sleep problems in older adults, and offers advice on how to get them correctly diagnosed. She also explains how sleep changes with aging.
031 – Choosing the Safest Over-the-Counter Painkiller in Aging
January 26, 2017 13:00Dr. K explains which over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers are usually safest for seniors, and which are much riskier than people realize. She covers common side-effects and risks to be aware of, and provides tips on helping an older person get the right care for frequent pains.
031 Choosing the Safest Over-the-Counter Painkiller in Aging
January 26, 2017 13:00 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBDr. K explains which over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers are usually safest for seniors, and which are much riskier than people realize. She covers common side-effects and risks to be aware of, and provides tips on helping an older person get the right care for frequent pains. The post 031 Choosing the Safest Over-the-Counter Painkiller in Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
030 – Drugs for Difficult Dementia Behaviors: What to Know
January 12, 2017 14:00Dr. K explains what families should know about the five types of medications used to treat difficult behaviors in people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, including how they work and common side-effects. She also explains how geriatricians usually approach difficult behaviors in dementia, and provides practical tips for families struggling to manage this challenge.
030 Drugs for Difficult Dementia Behaviors: What to Know
January 12, 2017 14:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBDr. K explains what families should know about the five types of medications used to treat difficult behaviors in people with Alzheimer's and other dementias, including how they work and common side-effects. She also explains how geriatricians usually approach difficult behaviors in dementia, and provides practical tips for families struggling to manage this challenge. The post 030 Drugs for Difficult Dementia Behaviors: What to Know appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
029 – The Healthy Aging Checklist
December 29, 2016 14:00Dr. K explains her 6-item Healthy Aging Checklist, which covers the key things all older adults should do, for better health right now and to set a foundation for the best possible health for the future.
029 The Healthy Aging Checklist
December 29, 2016 14:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBDr. K explains her 6-item Healthy Aging Checklist, which covers the key things all older adults should do, for better health right now and to set a foundation for the best possible health for the future. The post 029 The Healthy Aging Checklist appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
028 – When Older Parents Resist Help: 4 Tips for Better Talks
December 15, 2016 14:00Dr. K shares four approaches that help family caregivers talk to older parents who are resisting help. She explains how to better listen, how to balance safety against other goals, when to consider cognitive impairment, and much more.
028 When Older Parents Resist Help: 4 Tips for Better Talks
December 15, 2016 14:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBDr. K shares four approaches that help family caregivers talk to older parents who are resisting help. She explains how to better listen, how to balance safety against other goals, when to consider cognitive impairment, and much more. The post 028 When Older Parents Resist Help: 4 Tips for Better Talks appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
027 – Interview: Planning for Aging When Single & Childless
December 01, 2016 13:00Dr. K talks with Carol Marak, founder of the Elder Orphans Facebook Group. They discuss aging issues facing those who have no spouse or adult children, including transportation, housing, options for getting help, and more.
027 "Elder Orphans": Aging When Single and Childless
December 01, 2016 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBDr. K talks with Carol Marak, founder of the Elder Orphans Facebook Group. They discuss aging issues facing those who have no spouse or adult children, including transportation, housing, options for getting help, and more. The post 027 Interview: Planning for Aging When Single & Childless appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
026 – 4 Medications for Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: FAQs & Tips
November 24, 2016 16:00Only four medications are FDA-approved to treat Alzheimer's and other dementias. Dr. K covers everything families should know, including how these drugs work in the brain, how well they help, common side-effects, when to consider stopping, and practical tips for those on or considering these drugs.
026 4 Drugs for Alzheimer's & Other Dementias: FAQs & Tips
November 24, 2016 16:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBOnly four medications are FDA-approved to treat Alzheimer's and other dementias. Dr. K covers everything families should know, including how these drugs work in the brain, how well they help, common side-effects, when to consider stopping, and practical tips for those on or considering these drugs. The post 026 4 Medications for Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: FAQs & Tips appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
025 Palliative Care to Live Well with Cancer
November 10, 2016 10:30 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBDr. K talks with Amy Berman, RN, who has used palliative care to live well despite having Stage IV breast cancer since 2010. They discuss what palliative care is, how it relates to hospice, the importance of finding an oncologist who can partner with a palliative care team, how to find palliative care if you have a serious illness, and much more. The post 025 Interview: Palliative Care to Live Well with Cancer appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
025 – Interview: Palliative Care to Live Well with Cancer
November 10, 2016 10:30Dr. K talks with Amy Berman, RN, who has used palliative care to live well despite having Stage IV breast cancer since 2010. They discuss what palliative care is, how it relates to hospice, the importance of finding an oncologist who can partner with a palliative care team, how to find palliative care if you have a serious illness, and much more.
024 – Interview: Better Cancer Screening While Aging
October 27, 2016 13:00Dr. K talks with Louise Walter, MD, an expert on cancer screening and life-expectancy in older adults. They discuss why cancer screening can cause more harm than good, how to figure out an older person's life-expectancy, and why the PSA test is no longer routinely recommended for prostate cancer screening.
024 Better Cancer Screening While Aging
October 27, 2016 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBDr. K talks with Louise Walter, MD, an expert on cancer screening and life-expectancy in older adults. They discuss why cancer screening can cause more harm than good, how to figure out an older person's life-expectancy, and why the PSA test is no longer routinely recommended for prostate cancer screening. The post 024 Interview: Better Cancer Screening While Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
023 – Anemia in Aging: 10 Common Causes & What to Ask
October 13, 2016 13:00Dr. K explains anemia, a very common problem that isn't always due to low iron levels. She covers the most common causes, tests used to diagnose anemia, and what to ask the doctor, to be proactive and ensure you get the best care for anemia.
023 Anemia: 10 Common Causes & What to Ask
October 13, 2016 13:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBDr. K explains anemia, a very common problem that isn't always due to low iron levels. She covers the most common causes, tests used to diagnose anemia, and what to ask the doctor, to be proactive and ensure you get the best care for anemia. The post 023 Anemia in Aging: 10 Common Causes & What to Ask appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
022 – QA: Helping a Paranoid Older Parent and Checking Safety
September 29, 2016 12:30Late-life paranoia is surprisingly common. Dr. K answers a reader's questions regarding an aging parent with paranoia, including how to check on safety and levels of decline. She also covers common causes of paranoia and offers tips on getting help, even if your parent is resisting.
022 Helping a Paranoid Older Parent and Checking Safety
September 29, 2016 12:30 - 46 minutes - 32 MBLate-life paranoia is surprisingly common. Dr. K answers a reader's questions regarding an aging parent with paranoia, including how to check on safety and levels of decline. She also covers common causes of paranoia and offers tips on getting help, even if your parent is resisting. The post 022 QA: Helping a Paranoid Older Parent and Checking Safety appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
021 – Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Risks, Diagnosis, & Treatment
September 15, 2016 14:00Dr. K explains vitamin B12 deficiency, an easily missed problem that affects up to 20% of seniors and can affect walking, thinking, red blood cell count, and more. She covers who is at risk, who should be checked, how this problem is diagnosed, options for treatment, and more.
021 Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Risks, Diagnosis, & Treatment
September 15, 2016 14:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBDr. K explains vitamin B12 deficiency, an easily missed problem that affects up to 20% of seniors and can affect walking, thinking, red blood cell count, and more. She covers who is at risk, who should be checked, how this problem is diagnosed, options for treatment, and more. The post 021 Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Risks, Diagnosis, & Treatment appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
020 – How to Diagnose & Treat Mild Cognitive Impairment
September 01, 2016 15:00Dr. K explains the diagnosis and treatment of mild cognitive impairment, a common condition that progresses to dementia in over 30% of people. Learn how doctors evaluate mild memory problems, how this differs from normal brain aging, how exercise & nutrition can help, and why Alzheimer's medication probably won't help.
020 How to Diagnose & Treat Mild Cognitive Impairment
September 01, 2016 15:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBDr. K explains the diagnosis and treatment of mild cognitive impairment, a common condition that progresses to dementia in over 30% of people. Learn how doctors evaluate mild memory problems, how this differs from normal brain aging, how exercise & nutrition can help, and why Alzheimer's medication probably won't help. The post 020 How to Diagnose & Treat Mild Cognitive Impairment appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
019 – Interview: How Foundations Are Improving Health & Aging
August 18, 2016 15:00Dr. K talks with Chris Langston, PhD, former Program Director at the John A. Hartford Foundation. They discuss the role of philanthropy in improving health for older adults, how to help people expect more from doctors, the shortage of geriatricians, ageism, and much more.
019 How Foundations Are Improving Health & Aging
August 18, 2016 15:00 - 1 hour - 49.2 MBDr. K talks with Chris Langston, PhD, former Program Director at the John A. Hartford Foundation. They discuss the role of philanthropy in improving health for older adults, how to help people expect more from doctors, the shortage of geriatricians, ageism, and much more. The post 019 Interview: How Foundations Are Improving Health & Aging appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
018 High Blood Pressure Treatment in Older Adults: Research Findings & Practical Tips
August 04, 2016 15:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBDr. K explains how to decide what an older person's blood pressure should be, based on recent blood pressure guidelines and the latest research on intensive blood pressure lowering in seniors. Learn to make sure doctors are measuring BP accurately, and more on what really works when it comes to preventing strokes and cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure. The post 018 High Blood Pressure Treatment in Older Adults: Research Findings & Practical Tips appeared first on Better Healt...
018 – High Blood Pressure Treatment in Older Adults: Research Findings & Practical Tips
August 04, 2016 15:00Dr. K explains how to decide what an older person's blood pressure should be, based on recent blood pressure guidelines and the latest research on intensive blood pressure lowering in seniors. Learn to make sure doctors are measuring BP accurately, and more on what really works when it comes to preventing strokes and cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure.
017 Paying for Long-Term Care & Other Family Caregiving Challenges
July 21, 2016 15:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBDr. K talks with Anne Tumlinson about how families can pay for long-term care, and other challenges in caregiving. They discuss when Medicaid and other public services might pay for care, the role of long-term care insurance, why Anne started a site for family caregivers, and why so many women feel shame and guilt related to helping aging parents. The post 017 Interview: Paying for Long-Term Care & Other Family Caregiving Challenges appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
017 – Interview: Paying for Long-Term Care & Other Family Caregiving Challenges
July 21, 2016 15:00Dr. K talks with Anne Tumlinson about how families can pay for long-term care, and other challenges in caregiving. They discuss when Medicaid and other public services might pay for care, the role of long-term care insurance, why Anne started a site for family caregivers, and why so many women feel shame and guilt related to helping aging parents.
016 Home Blood Pressure Monitors: Why to Have One & How to Use It
July 07, 2016 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBDr. K covers three reasons every older adult should have a home BP monitor. She also explains what to ask the doctor after BP medications have been changed, how often to check, what monitor to consider purchasing, and much more. The post 016 3 Reasons You Should Have a Home Blood Pressure Monitor appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
016 – 3 Reasons You Should Have a Home Blood Pressure Monitor
July 07, 2016 15:00Dr. K covers three reasons every older adult should have a home BP monitor. She also explains what to ask the doctor after BP medications have been changed, how often to check, what monitor to consider purchasing, and much more.
015 – Interview: Practical Advice for Family Caregivers & Next Step In Care
June 23, 2016 15:00Dr. K talks with caregiving expert Carol Levine, Director of the Families and Health Care Project at the United Hospital Fund of New York and author of "Planning for Long-Term Care for Dummies." They discuss how family caregivers can better manage many of their top challenges, including managing the healthcare system and working with paid home aides. They also discuss NextStepInCare.org, which provides free practical guides for patients and families.
015 Practical Advice for Family Caregivers & Next Step In Care
June 23, 2016 15:00 - 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 and author of "Planning for Long-Term Care for Dummies." They discuss how family caregivers can better manage many of their top challenges, including managing the healthcare system and working with paid home aides. They also discuss NextStepInCare.org, which provides free practical guides for patients and families. The post 015 Interview: Practical Advice...
014 – Delirium & Hospital Confusion
June 09, 2016 15:00Dr. K explains the basics of delirium, a state of worse-than-usual mental function that can affect up to 30-70% of older adults after surgery and during serious illnesses. This episode explains the difference between delirium and dementia, how the two conditions are related, why it can take a long time for delirium to fully resolve, as well as how delirium can be diagnosed, treated, and prevented.
014 Delirium & Hospital Confusion
June 09, 2016 15:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBDr. K explains the basics of delirium, a state of worse-than-usual mental function that can affect up to 30-70% of older adults after surgery and during serious illnesses. This episode explains the difference between delirium and dementia, how the two conditions are related, why it can take a long time for delirium to fully resolve, as well as how delirium can be diagnosed, treated, and prevented. The post 014 Delirium & Hospital Confusion appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
013 Solving Hard Problems in Helping Aging Parents
May 26, 2016 15:00 - 1 hour - 43.9 MBDr. K talks with Carolyn Rosenblatt, RN JD, the author of "The Family Guide to Aging Parents" and an expert on helping families solve problems related to older parents. They discuss common conflicts related to money management and safety, the importance of power of attorney documents, incapacity concerns, how to address problems despite a parent's resistance, and much more. The post 013 Interview: Solving Hard Problems in Helping Aging Parents appeared first on Better Health While Aging.
013 – Interview: Solving Hard Problems in Helping Aging Parents
May 26, 2016 15:00Dr. K talks with Carolyn Rosenblatt, RN JD, the author of "The Family Guide to Aging Parents" and an expert on helping families solve problems related to older parents. They discuss common conflicts related to money management and safety, the importance of power of attorney documents, incapacity concerns, how to address problems despite a parent's resistance, and much more.
012 – Q&A: Answers to Your Questions On Aging & Health
May 12, 2016 15:00Dr. K answers nine audience questions on aging health. This episode covers how many extra opinions to get if you've been diagnosed with a serious illness, unbalanced legs, concerns about impotence, how to deal with declining independence if you can't afford to hire help, Medicare and hearing aids, ageism, muscle pains, what's normal aging when it comes to memory, and more. Related links are in the episode's show notes, at BetterHealthWhileAging.net/podcast
012 Answers to Your Aging Health Questions
May 12, 2016 15:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBDr. K answers nine audience questions on aging health. This episode covers how many extra opinions to get if you've been diagnosed with a serious illness, unbalanced legs, concerns about impotence, how to deal with declining independence if you can't afford to hire help, Medicare and hearing aids, ageism, muscle pains, what's normal aging when it comes to memory, and more. Related links are in the episode's show notes, at BetterHealthWhileAging.net/podcast The post 012 Q&A: Answers to Your ...