One of the greatest scientific innovations for the human race is the invention of vaccinations. Vaccines have essentially eradicated deadly diseases such as smallpox and polio (almost), each of which had devastating effects worldwide at one time. The importance of...

Co-host, “Seniorities”, a bi-monthly cable TV program discussing/highlighting issues of importance to our aging population. As Chairman of the Board, Scituate Council on Aging, I co-host with Linda Hayes, Executive Director of the Council on Aging. Our guest this week,...

Whether you live nearby and visit often, or faraway and occasionally visit, there are signals to alert you to aging issues with elderly parents. Stay observant for any of the following: -- Out-of-character behavior. Have your elderly parents started skipping...

Hot weather can be dangerous for anyone, but seniors are more likely to be affected by heat than other adults. In fact, a recent study found that of all the heat-related fatalities in the United States, 40% were among...

Researchers are constantly learning more about Alzheimer’s dementia every year. However, some of these current statistics are staggering... -- The disease is the 6th-leading cause of death in the U.S. Alzheimer’s is becoming a more common cause of death as...

Research in to Alzheimer's dementia is ongoing. Every year, The Alzheimer’s Association publishes an annual report detailing the complications and costs of the disease to caregivers and the health care system. Here are some of the latest...

Don't underestimate your elderly parents. Many seniors, even some with confusion, can understand and articulate their ailments. The elderly have a greater understanding of their limitations than we may give them credit for. Listen for hints. When you...

A very dear friend said to me recently, "Isn't it humbling that we are living as the "sandwich generation"? We had been discussing how busy life gets while tending to work, households, our own children (and maybe their children!),...

How do Medicare and Medicaid differ in regards to long term care planning? Medicare, by and large, does not cover long-term nursing home care. For example, Medicare Part A will only cover up to 100 days in a skilled...

Re-posting information which helps in defining differences between Medicare and Medicaid.... Many people are confused about the difference between Medicare and Medicaid (MassHealth is the label in Massachusetts) as it pertains to the challenge of paying for expensive long-term...