Healthy Older Adults

Getting Started

Arthritis Quiz

Hearing Quiz

Know Your Risks

Osteoporosis is a disease that slowly weakens bones until they break easily. People who have a broken bone related to osteoporosis often experience a downward turn in their overall health.

Living Better, Living Longer See All

Alcohol and Older Adults in Living Better, Living Longer

Many older adults enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game on TV. But alcohol can affect older adults differently. Here's what you should know. ...more

Exercise Ideas for Older Adults in Living Better, Living Longer

Finding ways to get exercise as you get older is a smart and easy way to stay fit and improve your health. ...more

Can Optimism Make a Difference in Your Life? in Living Better, Living Longer

A growing number of scientific studies indicate that optimistic people tend to live longer and have better physical and mental health than pessimistic people. ...more

The Physical Power of Social Support in Living Better, Living Longer

Certain behaviors may help safeguard you from illness and disease. These include exercising regularly and sleeping enough. Here may be another--staying socially connected. It may well do your body good. ...more

Eating Well, Staying Fit See AllEating Well See AllStaying Fit See All

How to Make Heart-Healthy Food Choices in Eating Well

Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease and other heart conditions. ...more

Exercise and Older Adults in Staying Fit

Exercise is good for people of all ages. It helps lower blood pressure, reduces the risks for falls and serious injuries, and slows the body's loss of muscle and bone mass. ...more

Exercise Ideas for Older Adults in Staying Fit

Finding ways to get exercise as you get older is a smart and easy way to stay fit and improve your health. ...more

Prevention, Self-Care, and Safety See AllFall Prevention See AllPreventative Care See AllWorking with Your Health Care Team See AllWell-Being See AllHome and Personal Safety See All

Older Adults: Preventing Falls in Fall Prevention, Well-Being

Every year, millions of adults fall, leading to injuries and emergency room visits. Many of these falls and injuries can be prevented. ...more

Emergency Information Form in Fall Prevention

In an emergency, it's easy to forget even the most well-known information. That's why it is vital for you to complete the information in this form for each person in your household. ...more

For Seniors: Don’t Brush Off Dental Care in Preventative Care

Older adults may have dental concerns that can't be fully taken care of with just brushing and flossing. Here's what you should know. ...more

Overview of Sleep Problems in Preventative Care

There are many types of sleep disorders. They can interfere with health and quality of life. Sleep problems can range from insomnia to snoring. ...more

Maintaining Your Personal Health Record in Working with Your Health Care Team

A personal health record can help reduce or eliminate duplicate tests and allow you to get faster, safer treatment and care in an emergency. It also can help you play a more active role in your health care. Read on to learn more about creating one. ...more

Choosing a Hospital in Working with Your Health Care Team

You don't have time to choose a hospital if you have a health emergency. But if you're facing surgery or treatment for a particular health condition, taking time to find a hospital that meets your needs is well worth the effort. ...more

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD in Well-Being

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year, most often fall or winter. Here's what you need to know. ...more

Divorce in Later Years in Well-Being

Getting a divorce is almost always painful and stressful, no matter how old or young you are. But if your marriage falls apart later in life, you may face some financial and emotional setbacks that are more difficult to recover from than when you were younger. ...more

Major Depression in Depression

Depression is a serious mood disorder. It touches every part of your life and is caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain. Treatment involves medicine and counseling. ...more

Depression Not a Normal Part of Aging in Depression

Depression is not a natural part of growing old. It's a health condition that should be treated aggressively. Read on to learn more. ...more

Do I Really Need a Fire Extinguisher? in Home and Personal Safety

Fire extinguishers can be a small but important part of the home fire safety plan. This holds true only after you've already installed working smoke detectors and a safe home fire evacuation plan. ...more

In Case of Emergency...Be Ready for Anything in Home and Personal Safety

Don't wait to think about disaster until you're dealing with one. In the hurried confusion, you're likely to miss important items as you prepare your home or leave to find shelter. ...more

Using Medications See All

Medicines and the Digestive System in Using Medications

Medicines taken by mouth can affect the digestive system in a number of different ways. Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, while usually safe and effective, may cause harmful effects in some people. ...more

Taking Your Medicine- A Smart Choice for Staying Healthy in Using Medications

Medicines can be an important part of treatment for serious infections. They can help relieve pain and lift depression. ...more

Food-Medicine Interactions in Using Medications

A food-medicine interaction can happen when the food you eat affects the ingredients in a medicine you are taking. This prevents the medicine from working the way it should. ...more

How to Get Medications for Less in Using Medications

Here are strategies from the Food and Drug Administration to help you cut your prescription costs by 50 percent or more. ...more

Health Concerns: Head to Toe See AllAlzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease See AllMemory Loss See AllHearing Problems See AllVision Problems See AllHeart Disease and Stroke See AllDiabetes See AllBreast Cancer See AllArthritis See AllOsteoporosis See AllJoint Replacement See AllProstate Cancer See AllBladder Problems and Erectile Dysfunction See AllOther Health Concerns See All

Anatomy of the Brain in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease

The brain is an important organ that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, respiration, and every process that regulates your body. ...more

Overview of Nervous System Disorders in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease

Disorders of the nervous system include stroke, infections, such as meningitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and functional disorders, such as headache and epilepsy. ...more

Alzheimer Disease in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer disease is a disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It is a type of dementia that happens when nerve cells in the brain die. ...more

Helping Someone with Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Disease, Memory Loss

In older people, it's easy to mistake memory problems for the everyday forgetfulness that some people have as they grow older. ...more

Parkinson Disease in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson disease is a motor system disorder that causes trembling, stiffness, and trouble moving. ...more

Ear, Nose, and Throat Facts in Hearing Problems

Read on for a detailed look at the parts that make up the ear, nose, and throat....more

Otolaryngology in Hearing Problems

Otolaryngology focuses on medical and surgical treatment for people who have disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures. ...more

Anatomy of the Eye in Vision Problems

The structures of the eye include the cornea, iris, pupil, macula, retina, and the optic nerve. ...more

Eye Care Specialists in Vision Problems

An overview of different eye care providers and what they do, from ophthalmlogists and optometrists to opticians and ocularists. ...more

Anatomy and Function of the Coronary Arteries in Heart Disease

Detailed information and illustrations about the 2 coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. ...more

Coronary Heart Disease in Heart Disease

A person with coronary heart disease has fatty deposits that have built up in the coronary arteries. These deposits narrow the arteries and can decrease or block the flow of blood to the heart. ...more

Stroke in Stroke

A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain is stopped. It is an emergency situation. ...more

Tests to Diagnose a Stroke in Stroke

Tests that may be used to help diagnose a stroke include a CT scan or MRI, and an electroencephalogram. ...more

Facts About Diabetes in Diabetes

When you have diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin. Or it can't use the insulin that it makes. Read on to learn more about this condition. ...more

Type 2 Diabetes in Diabetes

When your body can't make enough insulin or can't use insulin, it is called type 2 diabetes. Insulin helps the cells in the body absorb glucose, or sugar, for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood resulting in high blood sugar. ...more

Metabolic Syndrome and Prediabetes in Pre-Diabetes

Metabolic syndrome is marked by higher levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. That's also a sign of prediabetes. ...more

Diabetic Retinopathy in Vision Problems, Diabetes Complications

While you can’t completely prevent diabetic retinopathy, you can reduce your risk of getting it. And controlling your blood sugar can stop it from getting worse. Read on to learn more about this condition. ...more

Overview of Clinical Complications of Diabetes in Diabetes Complications

Heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease are just some of the complications of diabetes. ...more

Breast Cancer: Risk Factors in About Breast Cancer

A look at specific things that may increase your chance of having breast cancer....more

Breast Cancer: Diagnosis in About Breast Cancer

It is important to remember that a lump or other changes in the breast, or an abnormal area on a mammogram, may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems. ...more

Breast Cancer: Treatment Choices in Breast Cancer Treatment

The good news is that breast cancer can be treated successfully. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or any combination of these. Here's a closer look at each. ...more

Breast Cancer: Treatment Questions in Breast Cancer Treatment

These questions can help you work with your healthcare provider and make good decisions about your cancer care. ...more

About Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases in Arthritis

Arthritis, itself a group of more than 100 different diseases, is 1 category of rheumatic diseases. Read on to learn more about these conditions, and the types of healthcare providers who treat them. ...more

Arthritis in Arthritis

Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are common conditions that cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. They affect joints and connective tissues around the body. Millions of people in the U.S. have some form of arthritis. ...more

Osteoporosis in Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak, thinning bones. This leaves the bones at greater risk of breaking. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists. ...more

Osteoporosis: Evaluate Your Risk in Osteoporosis

Many people are unaware they have osteoporosis until they have advanced symptoms, which may include a broken hip or wrist, low back pain, or a hunched back. ...more

Hip Fracture in Osteoporosis, Joint Replacement

A hip fracture is a break in the thigh bone (femur) of your hip joint. The majority happen to people older than 60 years of age, and women get more hip fractures than men. ...more

Evaluation Procedures for Orthopedic Problems in Joint Replacement

To help the orthopedist determine your treatment, you'll need a physical exam, a medical history profile, and a description of symptoms. ...more

Anatomy of the Prostate Gland in About Prostate Cancer

Details about the size, location, and function of the prostate gland, including a diagram. ...more

Prostate Cancer: Prevention in About Prostate Cancer

There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer. Some risk factors for prostate cancer are not within your control. But you can do some things that may help lower your risk of getting prostate cancer. ...more

Prostate Cancer: Newly Diagnosed in Prostate Cancer Treatment

Being told you have prostate cancer can be scary, and you may have many questions. But you have people on your healthcare team to help. ...more

Prostate Cancer: Treatment Questions in Prostate Cancer Treatment

Read on for helpful questions to ask your healthcare provider about your treatment for prostate cancer. ...more

Polycystic Kidney Disease in Bladder Problems and Erectile Dysfunction

Detailed information on the different types of polycystic kidney disease....more

Prostatitis in Bladder Problems and Erectile Dysfunction

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland and sometimes the area around it. It is not cancer. ...more

Gout in Arthritis , Other Health Concerns

Gout is a condition that causes inflamed, painful joints. The symptoms are caused by deposits of urate crystals at the joints. ...more

Constipation in Other Health Concerns

Constipation is when your stools are painful or they don't happen often enough. It's the most common GI (gastrointestinal) problem. ...more

Long-Term Planning See All

Understanding Long-Term Care for Older Adults in Long-Term Planning

When older adults need others to help them with medical, physical, or emotional needs over an extended period of time, they need long-term care. ...more

How to Plan for Long-Term Care in Long-Term Planning

Most older people are independent. But later in life, you or someone you love may need help with everyday activities, such as shopping, cooking and bathing. ...more

Living Wills Offer Peace of Mind in Long-Term Planning

A living will tells others how you want to be treated when it comes to life-sustaining measures. ...more

Palliative Care: Bringing Comfort in Long-Term Planning

Palliative care focuses on improving a patient's quality of life by improving the symptoms of his or her illness, such as pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping. It's used with a variety of ailments, including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney failure, or congestive heart failure. ...more

For the Caregiver See All

Being a Caregiver in For the Caregiver

A caregiver provides assistance in meeting the daily needs of another person....more

Making the Home Environment Safe in For the Caregiver

Home safety is important when you're caring for an ill, aging, or disabled person. Use this helpful checklist as a guide. ...more

Assistive Equipment for the Home in For the Caregiver

Assistive equipment is any kind of tool or device that can help simplify caregiving or make the environment safer for an ill, disabled, or elderly person. ...more

Caregivers Need to Care for Themselves in For the Caregiver

More than 22 million Americans are involved in some form of helping elderly family members or friends with their daily routines. If you're part of this group, whether you call yourself a caregiver, or simply a good daughter or son, you know that caring for an aging parent or friend has its rewards and its trials. ...more

Elder Care in For the Caregiver

Life expectancy in the U.S. has increased in recent years. This has created a fairly new and growing area of healthcare and provider services, known as elder care. Elder care covers a wide variety of issues. Read on to learn more. ...more

Planning the Care of Your Aging Parents in For the Caregiver

Many children of aging parents wait until there's a crisis, and then they're left scrambling for mediocre options. Here are some tips to start planning ahead. ...more

Health Newcomer: The Patient Advocate in For the Caregiver

Patient advocates fulfill many roles. They can can provide answers, education, support, and care to patients. Read on to learn more. ...more

Understanding Long-Term Care for Older Adults in For the Caregiver

When older adults need others to help them with medical, physical, or emotional needs over an extended period of time, they need long-term care. ...more

How to Plan for Long-Term Care in For the Caregiver

Most older people are independent. But later in life, you or someone you love may need help with everyday activities, such as shopping, cooking and bathing. ...more

Getting the Most from a Mental Health Support Group in For the Caregiver

If you’re interested in joining an online support group, read on to learn more about finding one that's right for you. ...more

Home Health and Hospice Care See All

Home Healthcare Overview in Home Health and Hospice Care

Many types of medical and social home healthcare services are available: nursing care, physical therapy, pharmacy services, transportation, and home-delivered meals. ...more

Hospice Care Overview in Home Health and Hospice Care

Hospice care usually involves relieving symptoms and providing psychological and social support for the person and their family. The goal of hospice care is to provide the terminally ill patient peace, comfort, and dignity. ...more

Paying for Long-Term Care, Home Healthcare, and Hospice Care in Home Health and Hospice Care

Home healthcare services may be paid for directly by the patient, through insurance coverage, or through other public or private sources. Most hospice care programs are provided to the patient regardless of the patient's ability to pay. Read on to learn more. ...more

Hospices Offer Comfort at Life's End in Home Health and Hospice Care

As medical progress prolongs our lives, the end can linger. So, more and more people are turning to hospice care. ...more

Choosing a Home Health Provider in Home Health and Hospice Care

Finding appropriate home health and hospice care providers needs some research. Here's what you need to consider when evaluating a provider. ...more

Patient Rights in Home Health and Hospice Care

If you are unhappy with the home health or hospice care you are receiving, you should notify the provider's administrator, your state health department, and the Better Business Bureau. ...more

Grief and Loss in Home Health and Hospice Care

Grief moves in and out of stages from disbelief and denial, to anger and guilt, to finding a source of comfort, to eventually adjusting to the loss. ...more

Interactive Tools See All

Adult BMI Calculator

Experts are increasingly urging people to know their BMI, a figure that takes into account not just weight but also height to indicate body fat....more

Advance Directive Quiz

How important is it to draw up a living will? Take this quiz and find out....more

Alzheimer Disease Quiz

Find out more about this degenerative disease of the brain by taking this quiz....more

Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment

Cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer) usually develops slowly, over several years. Take this simple assessment to learn about your risks for this type of cancer....more

Coronary Artery Disease Assessment

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. Determine your risk for developing CAD using this assessment tool....more

Multimedia See All

What Is Knee Replacement?

Watch this video to learn how knee replacement surgery will relieve your pain and restore your joint function....more

Creating a Quit Tobacco Plan

See how a plan to quit using tobacco - including identifying your reasons for using tobacco, the triggers that cause you to use tobacco and how to avoid your triggers - can help you quit successfully....more

Videos (1)

Exercise Safety Tips for Seniors