Older Adults
Prevention, Self-Care and Safety; Photo of a man and woman
Pneumonia Vaccine Quiz

Bacterial pneumonia kills thousands of older Americans each year. Yet there is a vaccine that offers protection against this deadly illness. How much do you know about pneumonia and the vaccine?

Senior Oral Health Quiz

"Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag," the old song goes, "and smile, smile, smile." But older adults may not be ready to offer a toothy grin if they don't get regular dental checkups. Your teeth are important, no matter what your age. Find out how much you know about teeth by taking this quiz.

Crime and the Elderly Quiz

What do you know about crime against the elderly, and how to prevent it?

Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment

Cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer) usually develops slowly, over several years. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Still, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping for the last 15 years because of better detection and treatment. Take this simple assessment to learn about your risks for colorectal cancer.

Healthcare Maintenance and Safety Precautions
For Seniors, the Cold Facts

While you may be more likely to avoid a cold as a senior, doctors add this warning: You're at risk of becoming sicker if you do get one.

Pneumonia and Influenza

Flu and pneumonia are respiratory illnesses that should not be taken lightly. In the United States, pneumonia and the flu combined are the sixth leading cause of death. Older adults are at greater risk than younger adults for contracting pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common bacterial form of the disease.

Simple Ways to Make Your Home Safer

The safer and more livable you make your home, the longer you can maintain your independence and avoid debilitating injuries.

For Seniors: Choosing a New Doctor

Whatever the reason for needing a new primary care physician, these suggestions can help you find the right doctor.

For Seniors: Don’t Brush Off Dental Care

Older adults may have dental concerns that can’t be totally taken care of with just brushing and flossing.

You Can Sleep Better as You Age

A good night’s sleep is as important to your health as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. As we age, however, it can become more difficult to get deep sleep.

How to Evaluate Your Health Care Providers

To make sure you’re getting high-quality care, ask yourself if your health care provider is meeting your needs in five areas.

How to Get the Health Care You Need

No purchase is more important than medical care, yet people spend more time shopping for houses and cars than they do for their own health care.

Taking Better Care of Your Medical Care

Medications, symptoms, conditions—sometimes your health situation can leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused.

Don’t Pay the Price for Ignoring Symptoms

Ignoring your symptoms can end up costing more in the long run because many conditions are more quickly and easily treated if diagnosed in their early stages.

Coping with Chronic Pain

Effective pain treatments are available. You can also take steps yourself to ease ongoing discomfort.

Medicare: Terms to Know

If you’re covered by Medicare, the following glossary can help you understand some of the basic terms that describe your benefits.

Reading Room
How Older Adults Can Prevent Hypothermia

Age lowers your ability to endure long periods of cold. You're also at risk if your response to cold is impaired by certain illnesses or medications.

Bruise Control

We bruise when blood vessels beneath our skin rupture and bleed. As alarming as these purplish marks can be, they're usually harmless. With passing years, however, they become increasingly common with the mildest bump or blow.

For Seniors: You Can Beat the Heat

After age 65, your body can't adjust to changes in air temperature -- especially heat -- as quickly as it did when you were younger. That puts you at risk for heat-related illnesses.

Good Preventive Measures for Seniors

These screening tests are recommended for healthy people older than 65.

For Older Adults: Address Your Stress

Some stress is inevitable, but as you grow older, the key is to minimize stress while maximizing happiness and enjoyment.

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