Pumping Irony

Can certain personality traits protect us from cognitive dysfunction as we grow old? New research holds out some hope, but I have my doubts.

The pandemic has pushed pharmacists into primary-care territory traditionally dominated by physicians, and some policymakers believe convenience and expense argue for giving them even more latitude to test and treat. The American Medical Association begs to differ.

Could regular daytime napping be a precursor to dementia — or even a sign that the disease has already taken hold? A new take on what has generally been considered a salutary practice creates some concerns, despite its caveats. I’m going to try not to lose any sleep over it.

Biogen, the maker of the controversial Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm, last week released the long-awaited results of two clinical trials — which promptly raised more questions than they answered.

It’s no secret that regular exercise can lower your risk of a heart attack, but new research suggests that the same salutary benefits may apply to those who wait until they hit 70 to start moving.

New polling suggests that Americans — especially seniors — are more stressed than ever about the cost of healthcare. While policymakers struggle in vain to adjust the dynamics that fuel those costs, some of us have chosen to minimize our reliance on the broken system.

The older workers who are fueling the Great Resignation represent a daunting challenge to employers — and the economy — while remaining a mystery to this retirement-averse boomer.

The digestive benefits of prunes are well documented, but recent research suggests they may also help postmenopausal women maintain healthier bones — if they eat enough of them.

Despite our checkered history with recreational drugs, boomers typically aren’t screened for substance abuse when we visit a doctor. Meanwhile, thousands are dying of overdoses.

While the Medicare set awaits a final decision on coverage for Biogen’s controversial Alzheimer’s drug, a new study suggests seniors may get the same benefits from regular exercise. Both approaches, however, raise more questions than they answer.

Our toxic political climate is contributing to widespread mental-health issues, conditions seniors struggle to overcome because of Medicare’s limited coverage options.

As scientists struggle to create treatment protocols for those coping with long COVID, a new study suggests they shouldn’t ignore long-term mobility issues many seniors face after even a mild case of the virus.

A new survey suggests that dieting for weight loss remains the preferred approach among women who are displeased with their bodies, even as evidence mounts that cutting calories — especially for older women — may do more harm than good.

Determined to begin culling nearly a half-century of accumulated stuff in our basement, I encounter some fraught emotions and conflicting priorities — and a little holiday magic.

Top-rated nursing homes are often cited for serious health and safety violations that put their residents at risk. But a rigged appeals process keeps those infractions hidden from the public.

Regular dental care is key to overall well-being as we age, but Medicare doesn’t provide coverage. The American Dental Association is fighting tooth and nail to keep it that way.

Recent research suggests that my regular efforts to tidy up the house may help my aging brain and body function more smoothly.

Surveillance technologies can make it easier for the elderly to age in place, but will it mean we’ll see our kids even less often than we do now?

The approval of a controversial Alzheimer’s drug has triggered a major increase in monthly Medicare premiums — and fresh concerns about the program’s solvency. I’m hoping it also sparks some new thinking about prescription-drug pricing.

I’ve been putting off drafting a healthcare directive for no better reason than my general aversion to planning. Some palliative-care experts — and plenty of horrific tales — have now delivered some excellent reasons to avoid it altogether.

Recent research suggests older folks can be quick to assist others while neglecting their own well-being. The solution may involve learning the difference between being nice and being kind.