Most older adults adapt successfully to the multiple developmental and social changes and late life depression that are common in late life. For those who experience distress or develop psychological symptoms, Cognitive-behavioral therapy offers an ideal treatment modality. The emphasis in cognitive-behavioral therapy on the acquisition of coping skills provides older adults with concrete strategies for dealing with areas of problematic adjustment. (more…)

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The proportion of elderly at any age without any chronic conditions is small, and disease can trigger a cascade of events resulting in functional deficits and disability. An increase in the number of activities with which an elder has difficulty increases linearly with comorbidity, that is, coexistent medical conditions that further complicate not only the genesis of a functional deficit but also its treatment. For example, rehabilitation for a stroke for an individual who also has painful, degenerative changes in the foot and a low tolerance for stressful activity secondary to angina with exertion would present a particular rehabilitation challenge. Yet, this example encapsulates geriatric rehabilitation specialist’s emphasis on care and function, not cure and disease. (more…)

Aging begins before we are born, is a lifelong process and continues throughout life. Throughout the life course, differing life experiences influence our capabilities and well-being in our later years. The functional capacity of our biological systems increases during the first years of life, reaches its peak in early adult-hood and naturally declines thereafter. Throughout most countries (but not all), persons experience a long childhood and a long old age. These two lengthy developmental spans have provided great utility. Throughout history, it has enabled older persons to educate the younger and pass on values to them. (more…)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common neuropsychiatric condition that is frequently unrecognized and untreated, resulting in significant personal suffering and functional impairment. This article reviews the current state of knowledge of OCD epidemiology, clinical features and natural history, differential Obsessive-compulsive disorder diagnosis, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders treatment options, focusing on how Obsessive Compulsive affects elderly. (more…)

Not all body fat is equally bad for your health. It is widely known that body fat distribution is extremely important. There is increasing evidence for the deleterious effects of Visceral Fat on aging. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is an epidemiological tool that demonstrates a correlation between Visceral Fat and development of diabetes mellitus, stroke, coronary artery disease, and mortality. This ratio is easily determined by dividing the measurement of waist circumference by hip circumference. (more…)

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity ( more than 3-second pause or a decrease in systolic blood pressure = 50 mm Hg during carotid sinus massage) predominantly affects elderly patients, although the prevalence in the general population has not been precisely defined. In elderly patients with recurrent syncope, carotid sinus hypersensitivity has been reported in up to 35% of cases. Permanent pacing in patients with carotid sinus syndrome (carotid sinus hypersensitivity associated with syncope) is indicated. Observational and randomized studies have shown that recurrent symptoms are significantly reduced after permanent pacemaker implantation in patients with carotid sinus syndrome. (more…)

Aging is associated with progressive fibrosis of the sinoatrial node and AV conduction system, resulting in bradycardia, which may be further exacerbated by disease and medications, resulting in symptoms requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. More than 80% of pacemaker recipients in the United States are older than 65 years, and the median age is 75 years. As the population ages, it is anticipated that the number of older persons requiring permanent cardiac pacemakers, as well as the associated costs, will continue to rise. (more…)

The majority associated with leading cause of deaths in America are due to medical health issues, not accidents, regardless of what your mother told you. The National Center for Health Statistics compiles the listing of killers and leading causes of death in America. A number of on the list you can not manage but others you can. There are several things that you can do to minimize getting the risk of the leading causes of death. If you eat right, exercise, don’t smoke, keep your weight under control, and manage your stress, then you are having a big change to live longer and having prolonged life than average American. (more…)

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) is the core daily personal care activities that are necessary in order for people to be able to live independently. Loss of mental functioning is measured by other standardized tests and referred to as cognitive impairment. Activities of Daily Livings are particularly important because along with cognitive impairment, and in some cases “medical necessity,” they are the mechanism used by the insurance industry to determine qualification for long-term care benefits and may also be used to determine qualification for admission to a nursing or assisted living home facility. (more…)

Obesity in the elderly is a major health crisis facing our population that may predispose the elderly to the same adverse health outcomes facing the younger, obese population. However, several studies have suggested that the risk of obesity on life span is less in the elderly and may even become insignificant. However, these studies have found an increase in disability in older subjects with obesity. (more…)