Posts tagged: elder care

Our understanding of the microbiome’s intricate role in bodily functions is still in its infancy. However, we know it influences not only our health but also our longevity. Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Jennifer Doudna has recently ventured into microbiome research, aiming to genetically edit microbes within us to prevent and treat diseases like childhood asthma.

Doudna’s team has introduced a novel technique, DNA-editing All-in-one RNA-guided CRISPR Cas Transposase (DART). This method employs a CRISPR-Cas enzyme to target specific DNA sequences and insert a bar-coded transposon (chromosome segment that can undergo transposition). The team successfully edited individual E. coli strains within a microbial community, focusing on disease-associated genes.

Metabolic health is a multifaceted concept encompassing a range of biochemical processes responsible for the body’s conversion of food into energy, regulation of hormones, and maintenance of cellular function. It serves as a cornerstone for both our physical and spiritual well-being. Physically, poor metabolic health is a precursor to various chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive disorders. Spiritually, a balanced metabolism can contribute to mental clarity, emotional stability, and a heightened sense of overall well-being, enabling us to engage more fully with the world and our inner selves.

As we age, the prevailing narrative often emphasizes the limitations of our health, suggesting that our senior years are a period of inevitable decline. However, this perspective overlooks the substantial control we have over our well-being. While infectious diseases are important to consider, they are far less of a concern for seniors than non-infectious diseases. 

Conditions like cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, and arthritis are primarily influenced by lifestyle choices that are well within our control. By embracing preventative measures such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and timely medical screenings, we can significantly enhance our quality of life and mitigate the risks associated with these diseases. This article aims to illuminate the most common non-infectious diseases affecting seniors, their impact on quality of life, and the proactive steps we can take for better health outcomes.

As caregivers, we find ourselves journeying through a complex emotional terrain torn between the noble demands of self-sacrifice and the ever-present shadow of guilt. In the name of love and duty, we willingly forfeit a myriad of life’s treasures: our physical well-being, invaluable time, emotional serenity, spiritual harmony, social connections, career goals, financial stability, and, at times, even our own identity. Despite these monumental sacrifices, we are often haunted by a persistent sense of guilt—a guilt that surfaces when we entertain thoughts of self-care or harbor feelings of inadequacy in our caregiving roles.

In a world rife with divisions—be it age, gender, race, religion, political or socioeconomic status—the healthcare system stands as a glaring example of inequality. While healthcare should ideally be the great equalizer, the reality is far from this utopian vision, especially when it comes to gender. This article aims to delve deep into the systemic gender inequalities that pervade healthcare, from the historical origins of certain treatments to the underrepresentation of women in medical research and practice.

It’s a sobering reality that women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease, making up nearly two-thirds of all Alzheimer’s patients in America. The likelihood of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s differs between genders, notably after age 65 for dementia and around age 80 for Alzheimer’s. A woman’s estimated lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s at age 65 is one in five.

This heightened risk for women could arise from a blend of biological, genetic, and lifestyle differences and variances in life experiences. The most significant factor influencing Alzheimer’s risk is age, and since women generally live longer than men, they have a longer window for the disease to develop.

Grasping the intricate variations and complexities of dementia is essential, particularly as our loved ones age and become more susceptible to this condition. Far from being a monolithic illness, dementia manifests in numerous forms, each with unique challenges. This underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and targeted interventions. In this guide, we will explore the major types of dementia, examining their root causes, hallmark symptoms, and potential treatment options.

It’s a curious paradox that we spend our younger years eagerly chasing adulthood, only to find ourselves nostalgic for those very years once we arrive. Yet, what if your life’s richest, most fulfilling phase is not behind you but lies just on the horizon? As an advocate, marketeer and journalist focusing on senior well-being and care, I’m convinced our later years can be a golden era, rich with opportunities for joy, compassion, authenticity, and freedom. There’s a certain soul-deep serenity that emerges when wisdom and humility find both their height and equilibrium.

The concept of employing robots for elderly care triggers a mix of emotions and thoughts. The impending ‘silver tsunami,’ a phrase coined to signify the surge in the aging population, predicts a marked increase in the demand for care services. As robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to evolve at a breakneck pace, we must deliberate on the practical and ethical aspects of leveraging this technology to augment, rather than replace, the existing caregiving infrastructure. We may be also be able to prolong independence for our elderly by empowering them with the assistance of AI and robotics.

A good night’s sleep is as vital to our health as air, water, and food. But for seniors and the general population alike, a silent intruder is robbing us of this essential wellness pillar: sleep apnea. Shockingly, this condition impacts a staggering 1 billion people worldwide (one out of every eight people on this planet). The implications are grave, with links to debilitating diseases like dementia and heart conditions. In this blog, we’ll delve into a subject that’s literally a wake-up call: unearthing diet, lifestyle changes, technology aids, and treatments that can help you or a loved one sleep like a baby again.