Pumping Irony

Millions of older Americans suffer from osteoporosis, a bone disease that makes them especially vulnerable to fractures. Hormones, diet, and a sedentary lifestyle have long been blamed for the affliction, but recent research points to another culprit: too little sleep.

Despite recent attempts to forge some consensus on what qualifies as brain death, physicians often remain uncertain about whether — and when — to pull the plug on a patient.

While researchers hunt for the causes of age-related mobility issues as a way to address Parkinson’s and other diseases, I find myself embracing a mindful slowness.

A retired neighbor’s recent downsizing highlights an increasingly rare real estate win at a time when the vast majority of seniors are facing a serious housing crisis.

Struggling with some annoying side effects of my meds, I’m heartened by new research showing the salutary results of “deprescribing” a popular drug among seniors.

Alcohol-related deaths have been rising at an alarming rate among American seniors, who may be unaware of the risks. And while some countries are taking steps to curb consumption, U.S. regulators seem perfectly comfortable with the status quo.

Can poor oral health lead to anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders? Recent research provides some clues, but nothing to really worry about. Maybe.

Major drugstore chains are shuttering their outlets at an alarming rate, making it harder for seniors to get their prescriptions. Eli Lilly’s new direct-to-consumer drug service may make matters even worse.

In another blow to conventional wisdom, recent research is challenging the long-held belief that a low-dose aspirin regimen may protect healthy seniors from heart attacks and strokes.

While the longevity industry touts an obscure generic drug as the latest antiaging panacea, even some of its disciples are counseling caution.

The sudden closure of a Pennsylvania nursing home highlights the postpandemic challenges facing an increasingly troubled industry.

The Alzheimer’s Association and its Big Pharma allies are working behind the scenes to promote a plan that could vastly increase dementia diagnoses — and, not coincidentally, the demand for drugs that provide little relief.

Ultraprocessed foods, which first took hold among my baby boomer compatriots, now make up nearly 60 percent of the average American diet. Some experts say our addiction to this fare is lowering our life expectancy.

Fitness trackers have long been promoted as effective tools for monitoring key health metrics, but seniors have mostly ignored them. Recent research explains why

Can living amid bountiful green space improve a senior’s mental and physical health? New research — and the reemergence of ecotherapy — suggest that spending more time outdoors could make a difference.

While Big Pharma plods along in its search for an Alzheimer’s cure, new research suggests relief for some dementia sufferers may not begin in the brain at all.

Artificial intelligence is insinuating itself into our shaky healthcare system despite the warnings of experts who believe it may deliver more harm than help.

Mounting research — and the exploits of one extraordinary Irishman — suggest that it’s never too late for seniors to reap the benefits of strength training.

At a time when one in four American seniors is struggling with mental health issues, Medicare has expanded its coverage beyond psychologists and psychiatrists to include more accessible therapists. But will those counselors sign up to provide the services?

Recent research suggests that the “good” cholesterol that helps seniors prevent heart attacks and strokes may also raise their risk of developing dementia.

At a time when the U.S. population is aging at an unprecedented pace, the number of geriatricians trained to treat older patients is dwindling. Rebuilding that profession may require more than what our healthcare system can muster.