Publications

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Depression
Everyone feels blue now and then. It's part of life. But, if you no longer enjoy activities that you usually like, you may have a more serious problem. Being depressed, without letup, can change the way you think and feel. Doctors call this "clinical depression."
Spanish Version
Keywords: Depression, Emotional Health, Mental Health, Prevention
Diabetes In Older People—A Disease You Can Manage
Diabetes is a serious disease. People get diabetes when their blood glucose level, sometimes called blood sugar, is too high. Diabetes can lead to dangerous health problems, such as having a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that there are things you can do to take control of diabetes and prevent its problems. And, if you are worried about getting diabetes, there are things you can do to lower your risk.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Diabetes, Foot Problems, Kidneys and Urinary System, Medicare, Prevention
Dietary Supplements
Bill’s retired and lives alone. Often he’s just not hungry or is too tired to fix a whole meal. Does he need a multivitamin, or should he take one of those dietary supplements he sees in ads everywhere? Bill wonders if they work—will one help keep his joints healthy or another give him more energy? And, are they safe?

Keywords: Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Dietary Supplements, Eating, Nutrition
Elder Abuse
Gerald, 73, had a stroke. Unable to care for himself, he moved in with his son’s family. His son tried to help, but it was Frances, his daughter-in-law, who usually cooked special meals and helped him bathe and dress. Frances was already busy staying ahead of two teenage boys and teaching third grade. At first everyone was glad to have Gerald living with the family. But after a few months, Frances was yelling at him often and sometimes didn’t help him get dressed until late afternoon. Gerald was upset, but he didn’t know what to do.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Caregiving, Elder Abuse
Exercise and Physical Activity: Getting Fit for Life
“After walking on a treadmill at the local community center, I knew I’d be happier outside. So, I got a step counter and started walking in my neighborhood. Since then, I’ve seen yellow tulips bloom in spring and red dogwood leaves drop in fall. I always come home with more energy and happy to go on with the rest of the day.” Marian (age 81)
Spanish Version
Keywords: Exercise, Physical Activity
Falls and Fractures
A simple thing can change your life—like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor. If you fall, you could break a bone, like thousands of older men and women do each year. A broken bone might not sound awful. But, for older people, a break can be the start of more serious problems.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Balance Problems, Bones and Joints, Falls, Osteoporosis, Safety
Fatigue: More Than Being Tired
“You better get up soon,” Dan called to his wife, Liang. “The grandchildren will be here in an hour for lunch.” “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” Liang said. “I feel so tired. I’m not even sure I can get out of bed. I just don’t seem to have any energy—not even for my family.”

Keywords: Fatigue, Health Information, Insomnia, Sleep
Flu—Get the Shot
Each winter, millions of people suffer from seasonal flu. Flu—the short name for influenza—is caused by viruses. Viruses are very small germs. Some viruses can spread easily from one person to another. They cause illnesses or infections like the flu. Flu is a mild illness for some people. For older people, especially those who have health problems like diabetes or heart disease, the flu can be very serious, even life-threatening.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Flu, Immunizations, Influenza, Prevention, Shots
Foot Care
When Lenny fell in love, he said he was "swept off his feet." When Abdul wasn't sure about retiring, his wife said he had "cold feet." Lilliana was so sensible; her kids always said she had "both feet on the ground." Everyone agrees it's important to put "your best foot forward."
Spanish Version
Keywords: Bones and Joints, Foot Problems
Forgetfulness: Knowing When To Ask For Help
Many people worry about becoming forgetful. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. Over the past few years, scientists have learned a lot about memory and why some kinds of memory problems are serious but others are not.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Cognitive Decline, Dementia, Forgetfulness, Memory, Mild Cognitive Impairment