Mayo Clinic Aging Forward

Technology has allowed us to stay connected more than ever — so why are so many older adults lonelier than ever? On this episode of Aging Forward, tech expert Scott Lien explains how technology designed by young people for young people can leave older adults behind. He highlights exciting new technologies that help seniors stay independent longer, how to stay safe from scams and when the old-fashioned way of doing things still might be better. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

How can you tell whether changes in your vision are a normal part of aging or a sign that something’s wrong? On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. John J. Chen breaks it down. He explains what floaters are, how eye care technology has advanced over the years, and how treating cataracts can offer a new lease on life. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

As more Americans age, many face an important question: Where will they choose to grow older? Aging at home can come with risks — but it can also offer comfort, independence, and even help reduce hospitalizations and delay the need for nursing home care. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Sarah Nosal explains how staying in a familiar environment can support not only daily function, but also emotional, physical and cognitive health — and what to consider when deciding if aging in place is the right choice. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

Chronic illnesses don’t always happen one at a time. They often cluster together — leaving older adults juggling medications, appointments and physical limitations in their day-to-day lives. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Brent Smith breaks down how we can age well when life feels medically complex. He explains why he recommends an annual medication review, the potential advantages of deprescribing and how realistic goal-setting can create a cascade of benefits for overall well-being. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

As we get older, many people notice changes in pelvic floor function, which can show up as urinary leakage or difficulty controlling the bladder. In this episode of Aging Forward, John Occhino, M.D., explains why these issues are common, but not an inevitable part of aging. He discusses pelvic floor disorders, reviews nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, and explains how to perform Kegel exercises correctly. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

So you have diabetes. Now what? In this episode of Aging Forward — part two of our series on diabetes — registered dietitian Laura Knudsen returns to discuss eating patterns for nutrition and weight loss, and how to decide whether GLP-1 medications are right for you. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we're highlighting another one of Mayo Clinic's podcasts, Mayo Clinic Talks. On this special episode feature, Aging Forward host Dr. Christina Chen discusses Alzheimer's disease and its effect on family dynamics. Nearly six million people in the United States age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s Disease; of these about 80% are 75 years old and older. It is a devastating disease, not only for the patient, but also for the family of the patient involved. Unfortunately, currently available treatment for Alzheimer’s has been disappointing. Cure or even stability of the cognitive loss is not possible. The topics for today’s podcast include mild cognitive impairment and dementia, focusing on Alzheimer’s Disease, and our guest is Ronald C. Petersen, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist and specialist in Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. We’ll discuss the evaluation, the current available treatment as well as what might be on the horizon in the management of this disease. Find more Mayo Clinic Talks podcasts https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-talks Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How is physical therapy just for athletes? On this episode of Aging Forward, physical therapist Josh Millitzer says older adults are athletes too — their sport is staying strong to maintain function and independence. He discusses early warning signs of physical decline, the risks of the “slippery slope of aging,” and how we can stop — and even reverse — decline through targeted interventions and hard work. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Women typically live 5 to 6 years longer than men. But that extra time isn’t necessarily spent in good health — on average, women spend the last decade of their lives dealing with a cascade of health issues. On this episode of Aging Forward, Maddy Dychtwald shares tips for making the most of those later years. She distinguishes between age accelerants and decelerants, and suggests exercises and habits to extend one’s lifespan, brainspan and healthspan. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When we or our loved ones are no longer able to care for ourselves independently, what do our options for medical care look like? While 98% of people would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age, changing health needs mean that’s not always possible. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Jeffrey Kang makes the case for home health care. He breaks down how we can bring 90% of primary care into patients' homes, how older adult care has changed over time, and what the future of the industry might look like. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 in 2 older adults are at risk for malnutrition. While our physiology is changing, so are the body's nutritional needs; changing tastes, comorbidities, and financial insecurity can also play a role. So how can we optimize good nutrition as we get older, in order to fuel longevity? On this episode of Aging Forward, dietician Tara Schmidt talks how dietary needs change post-menopause, the decline of our metabolisms, and the key nutrients to prioritize for older adults. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What screenings matter as we age — and when and how often should we get them? In this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Daniel Sanchez Pellecer breaks down what preventative health really looks like for older adults, especially those living with chronic conditions. He shares how screening can help us avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, reduce healthcare costs, and advises listeners on which screenings to get — and when to skip them. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy