The majority of older adults who suffer from depression experience lower-level symptoms that do not meet diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. The DSM recognizes several well-defined disorders that are considered minor depressive states. Dysthymia is defined as presence of one of the two defining symptoms plus at least two other symptoms of depression continuously for a period of at least 2 years. This chronic, low-level depression typically manifests relatively early in life and is in fact less prevalent in older than in younger persons. (more…)

Since the 1960s a number of critiques have been developed about the misrepresentations inherent in the images which portray minority groups. Critiques have been increasingly made of what are seen as demeaning images of women, gays, the living elderly index, ethnic groups and regional minorities. Here the assumption is that such groups suffer from the imposition of negative stereotypes: images which do not accurately represent their everyday realities and aspirations. (more…)

As a normal ageing process, as you grow older, you will lose muscle fiber. The composition between fats and muscles in your body changed. The less active you are, the more your muscles atrophy (muscle masses and muscles strength) because lack of activities. One study found that 40 percent of women between ages 55 and 65 couldn’t lift even 10 pounds! If you lack strength, everyday tasks such as lifting a bag of groceries, pushing a vacuum cleaner, or lifting and playing with your grandchild may tire you—or worse, cause a elderly muscle sore or elderly muscle cramps. (more…)

The sleeping pills quadrupled the risk of suicide in the elderly, according to a study by the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), which is published in the journal ‘BioMed Central Geriatrics. The researchers show that even after taking into account the presence of psychiatric disorders, sedatives and hypnotics are associated with an increased risk of suicide (more…)

The amount of “complete” protein a person requires per day is about 0.015 ounces per pound of body weight. This comes to around 2 ounces per day, depending on the size of the person. This amount is required to replace the protein the body loses daily in the form of discarded cells, and proteins broken down or “turned over” through metabolism. Such replacement protein is not used for energy but goes back into the structure of the body.

However, at low calorie levels, the body may divert some of this replacement protein into energy use, and leave you relatively deficient in protein for structural use. (more…)

Chronic diseases are not generally prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they just disappear. To a large degree, the major chronic disease killers—heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes—are an extension of what people do, or not do, as they go about their daily lives. (more…)

If you are really serious about keeping yourself in healthy condition during your silver years, exercise! Everybody wants to live in healthy aging condition. But, lack of elderly exercise activities will keep you off from reaping the benefit of having healthy body and enjoyable activities in your precious time. When you don’t do regular activities, you may find your self fatigue and having difficulties to sleep at night. In the morning, you may find that your body still feeling tired and finally prolong your sleep. That’s not a good sign! You know that as our body aging, we have to make some decisions regarding attitude towards living as healthy aging people. Today more than ever, people choose several activities promoting healthy aging. Below are several tips on how to keep fit and healthy for aging people. (more…)