Older adults, who are at a higher risk for COVID-19 complications, can strengthen their immune systems by exercising.
With family together, either in person or by video, the holidays offer an opportunity for deep, personal discussions about the future.
Aldomurillo via Getty Images
Distributing a vaccine is a bit like boarding a plane — we can’t all board at the same time. So who gets priority? There are a few reasons we should consider vaccinating older people first.
In the time of coronavirus, people with dementia and their caregivers need more support than ever.
Westend61 via Getty Images
If you became suddenly unwell, would your family or health team know your wishes? Here's why advance care planning should be part of Australia's strategic response to COVID-19.
At a Midwest nursing home, a healthcare worker opens a glass panel to allow a visitor to safely talk with a resident.
Getty Images / wanderluster
The stigma that dehumanizes people living with dementia is reflected in the toll of COVID-19 in long-term care. Reforming long-term care must challenge this stigma with a new ethic of care.
In healthy older people, loneliness has a pattern of stress response similar to that of people who are under chronic stress.
Justin Paget via Getty Images
The social isolation older adults are experiencing as they try to stay safe from the coronavirus pandemic is raising new mental health risks, but people can take steps to protect themselves.
We miss too much when we treat all seniors as helpless.
(Unsplash/@unitednations/Lélie Lesage)
COVID-19 public health messages often classify 'elderly neighbours' as in need of aid, and overlook the substantial contributions, achievements and resources of older people.
Hip fractures are a common injury sustained in falls in long-term care.
(Shutterstock)
Every year, about 70 per cent of long-term care residents have at least one fall, and half of those result in injury. Wearable gear and changes to living spaces aim to prevent falls and limit injury.
Vaccinologists have not focused their research on tailoring vaccines to induce robust immune responses in the elderly.
(Shutterstock)
Immunosenescence — the decline of immune system function with age — means that vaccines are not as effective in older adults, the demographic most susceptible to many diseases, including COVID-19.
The same stay-at-home recommendations meant to protect older adults from COVID-19 can also leave them feeling isolated and lonely.
Sladic via Getty Images
The Federal Bureau of Prisons recently opened a unit for people suffering dementia. But is incarceration a 'cruel and unusual' punishment for those who don't understand why they are behind bars?
There is good reason for older people to stay isolated, even as lockdown lifts.
At least 21 states have taken actions within the last four months to limit the liability of health care providers related to the coronavirus.
David Ramos/Getty Images
Nearly half the states have reduced liability for health care providers at a time when nursing home regulation is declining and families can't visit loved ones for fear of spreading the coronavirus.
Prescription drugs in the U.S. are so costly, some people skip their medications.
Getty Images / Shana Novak
Studies repeatedly have shown that health care in general and the high cost of drugs in particular are among the top concerns of US voters. But with coronavirus, the issue may fade from prominence.
An already tough situation is made worse for those with hearing loss.
filadendron/Getty Images
Audiologists recommend enhanced communication strategies in the time of coronavirus to help the nearly 60 million Americans living with hearing loss in one or both ears.
The Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington, had the first known COVID-19 outbreak in a U.S. nursing home. In Massachusetts, one-third of nursing homes now have more than 30 COVID-19 cases.
Jason Redmond/AFP/Getty Images
The government doesn't know how many people have died of COVID-19, in part because it didn't require nursing homes to report cases to the CDC. In some states, over half of deaths are in nursing homes.
Research Fellow, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, National Ageing Research Institute and Adjunct Research Fellow, Swinburne University, University of Melbourne