Staying Active and Connected

Pretty nurse taking care of senior patient in a wheelchair

Staying Active and Connected: Senior Activities in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties Ask a longtime East Bay senior center regular why they keep coming back, and the answer is rarely “the bingo.” It’s the friend they sit next to at lunch, the exercise class that keeps their knees working, or the volunteer gig that gives… Continue reading Staying Active and Connected

Aging in Place in the San Francisco Bay Area

Growing Older at Home: Aging in Place in the San Francisco Bay Area For a growing share of Bay Area residents, the goal isn’t just a comfortable retirement — it’s staying exactly where they are. As the region’s senior population climbs, “aging in place” has become the defining conversation in local eldercare, shaping everything from… Continue reading Aging in Place in the San Francisco Bay Area

Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Chronic Pain

The vagus nerve may be connected with relief from chronic pain, according to new research.   The vagus nerve is known for regulating the body’s automatic functions by controlling the parasympathetic system, commonly known as the “rest and digest” system. It helps to slow heart rate, support digestion, and coordinate communication between the brain and… Continue reading Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Chronic Pain

Proper Dental Care Can Lead to Better Health in Seniors

Staying ahead of your dental health can have long term benefits on your overall health and wellbeing.   It’s long been known that poor dental health, including rotten teeth and infections, can lead to cardiovascular disease. However, as research continues to progress, the extent of how dental health impacts the overall body is becoming more… Continue reading Proper Dental Care Can Lead to Better Health in Seniors

Women at an Increasing Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

According to recent research done by the American Heart Association, it is estimated that 60 percent of senior females will have some form of heart disease by the year 2050.   This is a particularly disturbing statistic when given the fact that heart disease is the number one killer in the United States.   The… Continue reading Women at an Increasing Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Active Families Can Help Prevent Cognitive Decline

For quite some time, researchers have believed that when seniors are mentally and physically active, the development of dementia can be delayed or even prevented.    Activity can come in a variety of different forms. While we often immediately think about physical exercise, more and more research is coming out that indicates that activity doesn’t… Continue reading Active Families Can Help Prevent Cognitive Decline

Early Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects movement. It occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine gradually die, leading to symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and balance problems, along with possible changes in mood, sleep, and cognition over time. It’s caused by the loss of cells within the brain that produce… Continue reading Early Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Steps for Fighting Knee Pain

If you’ve ever experienced arthritic knee pain, you know how crippling it can be. It makes even daily tasks excruciatingly painful and difficult. However, scientists are understanding more and more about osteoarthritis and what you can do to help reduce the pain experienced.   Exercise continues to be one of the best ways to reduce… Continue reading Steps for Fighting Knee Pain

Looking at Differences in Aging Brains

New research has revealed that there is something different about people over 80 years old who have cognitive levels of those that are typically seen from people in their 50s. These individuals tend to be an exception, but they are indicators that memory doesn’t need to decline as people get older.   Northwestern University refers… Continue reading Looking at Differences in Aging Brains

New Advances in Treating Joint Pain

New research indicates that low doses of radiation therapy might be a helpful treatment method for reducing the amount of pain that people with osteoarthritis in their knees experience.   This research was conducted by the American Society for Radiation Oncology. They presented their findings recently at their annual conference.   The team found that… Continue reading New Advances in Treating Joint Pain