A cough, wheeze, or congestion are frustrating when you get sick. But for older adults living with chronic respiratory disease, these uncomfortable symptoms can be a fact of life. There are many types of respiratory diseases in seniors. Some of these diseases are chronic and worsen with advancing age. Others are more acute and will cause illness within a short period. 

Managing your cholesterol is easier when you understand how it works and why doctors take it so seriously. Here’s what’s important to know about reducing your risk of high cholesterol as you age.

But what if forgetting things happens far more often than it used to, or far more frequently to you than others your age? It could be a sign of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which for many people is a precursor to Alzheimer's disease.
 

As you get older, your medical care can ripple across every aspect of your life. It might be a prescription that makes you too tired for dinner with the family. You may love bowling, but a hip replacement has kept you off the lanes much longer than you expected. You might feel sad and withdrawn from friends, unsure if it's depression or because you can't hear as well anymore.

YOU are the expert on what matters for your health. Learn how to improve your health by talking with your doctor about the 4Ms – what Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility – a set of essential aspects of your care. 

Have you noticed your vision changing as you age? Do you need brighter light to do close-up work? Are you having difficulty reading or are you struggling with blurry vision? Loss of eyesight is a common concern for older adults. And there is no greater concern than the all-too-common risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 

Are you struggling with persistent joint pain and worried that it might be something more serious? You’re not alone. Joint pain can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis, a common condition that affects 1.5 million Americans.

If you haven’t been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, chances are you probably know someone who has. That’s because older adults are at increased risk of diseases that impact their ability to regulate their blood sugar as they age. For some, it’s a matter of genetics. For others, it’s triggered by lifestyle and diet choices. But those who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, can continue to live active, healthy lives if they make the right changes.

You’re probably aware that high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can be dangerous, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, and heart failure. But what exactly causes high blood pressure in older adults? And why does it increase with age?

A basic plan can help you make the most of your appointment whether you are starting with a new doctor or continuing with the doctor you’ve seen for years. The following tips will make it easier for you and your doctor to cover everything you need to talk about.