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 overarching goal of physical therapy rehabilitation is to return the individual to as close to the premorbid level of function as possible or, alternatively, to maximize a person’s current potential for function and maintain it as long as possible. This goal is achieved by promoting changes in the individual, by altering his or her physical health elderly or social environments, or by implementing a combination of both strategies. (more…)

The accurate diagnosis of endocrine dysfunction in the elderly requires a high index of suspicion. Signs and symptoms of hormone deficiency or excess may be absent. When such signs and symptoms are present, coexisting malnutrition or chronic disease may often make their interpretation difficult. (more…)

It is always important in the treatment of dementia to have clear therapeutic goals established in partnership with the patient and family. Often, the concept of quality of life is an important guide to therapy, as this reflects the values of the individual and his or her family. This section discusses both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments of dementia. Remember that non-pharmacological approaches are always appropriate. (more…)

It is estimated that about 6 million Americans over 65 suffer from depression in late life. The sad reality is that 10% are looking for and get treatment of late life depression. It is common that many illness and disabilities are accompanying late-life depression. When people reach certain age in this age, your support system begins to collapse. Family and friends, Spouses, siblings and friends die. You are about to retire or move. People with depression are likely to see a decline in quality of life. This can deprive them personal joy and productivity and he hope for the future. (more…)

An international consensus statement on physical activity, fitness and health (Bouchard et al 1994) identifies six areas affected by physical exercise: body shape, bone strength, muscle strength, flexibility skeleton, physical fitness and motor fitness of metabolism. Other areas benefit from physical activity is cognitive function, mental health and adaptation to society. Exercise was defined as a regular activity that follows a specific pattern, and whose purpose is to achieve desirable results in terms of fitness, as a better general health or physical functioning. (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…)