Health

As COVID-19 vaccines become increasingly available in the U.S. over the coming months, older adults who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic are expected to be prioritized over the general public. But those who are 65 and older will still likely need to wait a few months before they can get vaccines that are in high demand but relatively short supply. Shots are expected to be widely available by mid-2021, but some may get them earlier.   For more information: When Can Older Americans Expect to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?   The efficacy of the vaccine depends in part on widespread public participation. Will you get the COIVD-19 vaccine when it becomes available to you?

Maintaining social connections is essential for long-term mental and cognitive health, but it's hard to do when you can't meet with friends face-to-face. Watch this short video titled "Your Brain on Social Networks" to learn how to use social networks to connect with others in the digital world. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more brain health information.

You probably didn’t realize that all of that stimulates the brain with the release of endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” chemical. So go ahead and get in some good laughs all week long. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp for more brain health information.

Retiring is great, when I retired I was extremely happy, I had worked all of my life I'd worked. Since I was 12 years, after school and on week-inns, it was great nothing could make me happier making my own money at the age of 12 years. After school I got a job and has worked every sense, now I am enjoying myself to the fullest. I enjoy life and I plan to continue to enjoy my life as long as I can. I have enjoyed singing and traveling while doing so. Now, I would love to travel more but seems as if This coronavirus has put a stop to my travel, I love to travel. There is nothing better than seeing other parts of the world. You don't need to be rich to retire and travel. All you need is love. Have faith in yourself and do the things you love to do. To me, this is what life is all about enjoying yourself even with family and friends. Gettering is great but not so many people around. Still enjoy your self as much as possible. Life is good so be good to life. There is good in traveling, thi

Happiness is something we all want, but it doesn’t just happen. Experts believe there are habits that may increase happiness—from connecting with others to practicing kindness. The Pursuit of Happiness Challenge looks at research that suggests happiness not only feels good but may also help people live longer, enjoy stronger relationships and be more creative and productive. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp for more brain health information.

In its traditional form, fruitcake has fruit and nuts, both of which have shown to have potential health benefits. Check out the pros and cons of fruitcake ingredients in this article, which also has links to ideas for prepping your pantry and fresh ways to cook at home. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp for more brain health information.

Have you danced lately, even if you don't have a partner? Research indicates that dancing has numerous health benefits, including helping focus and improving memory. But I can tell you that for me, dancing is just plan fun! Visit AARP® Staying Sharp®  for more brain health information.

Hi everyone, This health site Ask a Patient might be of use for people about to get or thinking about getting the new 2-dose shingles vaccine called Shingrix, as it has more than 400 comments from patients who have received the vaccine. (a disclosure, I work on this site but thought this information could be of use to people in this forum.) Many of the folks at the site's forum have commented about not being informed about how severe the side effects would (or could) be, while others said they were fully informed and got the shot on a Friday so that they would have a couple days of down time to recover. Often, the reaction is more severe with the second dose. However, many of them said the discomfort is worth it not to get shingles in the future. Check out these patient experiences (442 in all), sortable by age, gender and rating score:https://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=581490&name=SHINGRIX+VACCINE Another interesting thing I learned when researching this is

 It may sound strange, but when you give back by volunteering, your sense of life satisfaction may be amplified. Plus, some studies suggest that the positive impacts of volunteering can exert a positive effect as we age. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp for more brain health information.

Read this article that describes ways to shake up your routine, shift your mindset and embrace new experiences. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp for more brain health information.

My mother is pretty healthy, other than moderate dementia.  They want to extract her 24 remaining teeth under local anesthesia and fit her with dentures.  She can enjoy food now and is not in pain.  She does have some worn-out dental work, recently lost a crown) and had an abscess in February.  I’m afraid this would cause her to have a downward spiral in both health and morale. She is happy and I want her to stay happy.  Any similar experiences (positive or negative) to share?  Thank you.  

Is there a medical service to get the flu vaccine for senior at home?  If there is, is it covered by the insurance company?   Thanks.

Learn about ways to bounce back from adversity by focusing on the structure and routine of your life. Read about becoming more resilient by adopting certain habits or practices in this article. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp for more brain health information.

As our bodies change, so do our nutritional needs. It's good to reassess what your body needs now, for maximum health in this decade and the decades to come. Check out this article to learn more and for an example daily menu.   How has your diet changed as you've aged? Share what has or hasn't worked for you.

A recent research study suggests that people who eat a healthy diet can fall asleep more quickly and get more restorative sleep than when eating a diet lower in fiber and higher in sugar and saturated fat. Learn more about how you eat can affect your sleep. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp (stayingsharp.aarp.org) for more brain health information.

Kindness releases endorphins in the brain, which help to improve mood, ease anxiety and feel happier. There are many ways to be more generous, whether through small acts of giving, community volunteering or lending a helping hand. Learn more about brain health with AARP Staying Sharp®, a benefit for AARP Members.

Start by clearing the clutter from inside out.​Identify obstacles, energy zappers, and mental clutter that is blocking you from​moving forward in your personal journey.Prioritize items that matter and focus your attention accordingly.Remove yourself from chaos, so you can regain control and find peace in all areas of their life.Live an authentic life with purpose and confidence.What do you think? Easier said than done! 

Research shows that the sweet treat you love so much contains an ingredient that may: • Curb Anxiety • Improve your Mood • Help to boost your blood flow. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more brain health tips.

Taking care of a loved one during times of illness or a crisis can take its toll on your health. Read about how using Staying Sharp's six pillars of brain health may help while caring for others. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp for more brain health information.

Laughter is good for the brain and even better when shared with a buddy. Friendship can reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being. Do yourself a favor and spend some time with a friend today! Learn more about brain health with AARP® Staying Sharp, a benefit for AARP Members.

S, your shortness of breath may be due to the weakness of your muscles or the resulting weakness in your heart, along with digestive, sleep and outlook deterioration, all of which can be improved with a slow, progressive plan of activity.  I just published my book, Triumph Over Lung Disease -How to Regain Breath and Vitality. It has valuable tools for regaining your health and your confidence after being diagnosed with lung disease. After many years working in pulmonary rehab, I have compiled the strategies and  stories of those who have grown from victims to victors. 

Bananas are not only tasty; they possess nutrients that may help support memory and mood. Go ahead and eat a banana or two today! What's your favorite 'go to' food? Visit this article on AARP® Staying Sharp for more brain health content.    

  Thinking about going vegan? No diet overhaul is ever easy, and adopting a vegan diet — one that eliminates meat as well as staples like dairy and eggs — can be challenging. Small steps over a period of time could make it more manageable and easier than you might think. Find out how!

Older adults in particular are at higher risk of severe illness from both COVID-19 and influenza, which experts say makes getting a flu shot this year — including timing your shot and choosing the right type of vaccine — more important than ever.   Check out the tips below to find out when and where you should get vaccinated.   When should I get vaccinated? Flu shot availability began popping up at pharmacy chains and doctors’ offices this summer, but when it comes to getting the shot, earlier isn't better. “The best time to get vaccinated is from mid-September through the month of October,” says William Schaffner, M.D., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.   Experts aren't able to predict how long a given flu season will last, but activity typically peaks between December and February and can last as late as May.   Which flu shot is right for me? Adults 65 and older should ask their health care provider for either the high-dose or ad

We all are guilty of procrastination to some degree, but why do we put things off, and how we can we get back on track? This article helps you understand the underlying reasons we procrastinate. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp for more brain health information.