Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in later years. COPD is a group of lung diseases — mainly chronic bronchitis and emphysema — that make it difficult to breathe. It’s usually caused by long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, or workplace chemicals. Over time, the airways become inflamed and damaged, making … Read more

Tackling obesity in seniors: health risks and solutions. Obesity is more than just a number on the scale — it’s defined as having excess body fat that can negatively affect your health. It’s commonly measured using Body Mass Index (BMI), but waist size and fat distribution also matter, especially as we age. Obesity is linked … Read more

Osteoporosis in older adults: causes, risks, and prevention. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak, porous, and fragile. It happens when the body loses too much bone, doesn’t make enough, or both. While it develops slowly, the first sign is often a fracture after a minor fall or bump. Older adults — especially postmenopausal … Read more

High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia): risks and prevention for seniors. High cholesterol occurs when fatty deposits — especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) — build up in your arteries, reducing or blocking blood flow. This puts strain on your heart and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. There are no outward symptoms, so the … Read more

The impact of type 2 diabetes on senior health. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough to keep blood sugar levels stable. It tends to develop gradually, often without obvious symptoms, which is why many people don’t realize they have it until … Read more

What you should know about atrial fibrillation (AFib) in seniors. AFib is a type of irregular heartbeat where the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat out of sync with the lower chambers. This abnormal rhythm can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow, and it increases the risk of blood … Read more

Managing congestive heart failure (CHF) in senior populations. CHF doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working, but rather that it isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should. This causes a buildup of fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body. Common signs include fatigue, swollen legs or ankles, and shortness of breath, … Read more

How Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects older adults. Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when plaque — a mix of cholesterol, fat, and other substances — builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. When the arteries narrow or become blocked, the heart can’t get enough oxygen, which can … Read more

Understanding hypertension high blood pressure in seniors. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition where the force of the blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Think of your arteries as garden hoses — too much pressure over time can cause them to wear out or burst. This “silent” … Read more