FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025
new news for you
Healthy Living Helps the Aging Brain
By Lisa Jarvis
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association makes a compelling case that a healthy lifestyle does an aging brain good.
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These special traits may shield
‘SuperAgers’ from dementia
— how they could lead to
new Alzheimer’s tools
By Tracy Swartz
“Our findings show that exceptional memory in old age is not only possible but is linked to a distinct neurobiological profile,”
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Why you should (probably) drink less
as you get older, according to doctors
By Catherine Ho
The number of U.S. adults 65 and older who drink is growing rapidly as the baby boomer generation ages, according to federal health data. And many are unaware of alcohol’s effects on the aging body and mind.
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Is It Time for Medically Assisted End of Life?
By Patricia Marcin
Advocates emphasize that providing a person with medical aid in dying grants a terminally ill person the dignity to choose not to suffer for months before the underlying illness causes their death.
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Shingles takes a psychological toll
on older adults
Older patients struggling with shingles frequently experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation. The discomfort and chronic pain can make daily routines difficult, leading many to withdraw from social interactions and physical activity.
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In Other News...
Can you consolidate debt
while on Social Security?
By Angelica Leicht
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What Older Workers Miss Most
About the Jobs They Left Behind
By Sarah Whittle
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Quote_________________________
“The kidneys are like the body’s internal janitors,
tirelessly cleaning up the messes we make.”
– Dr. Navin Ramachandran
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A Comprehensive Guide for Safety
Driving represents freedom, especially as people grow older, allowing them to visit family, friends, and stores. However, deciding to stop driving can be emotional, similar to losing a part of one's identity. It is important to understand when the enjoyment of driving shifts into concern, which can vary for each senior driver.
This guide aims to help identify signs that may indicate the need to reconsider driving. It highlights the impact of physical and cognitive changes on driving abilities. Key factors include vision, reflexes, and general health, and the guide also offers suggestions for maintaining independence without driving.
One critical aspect is eyesight. Changes such as cataracts can cloud vision, while glaucoma may reduce peripheral sight, making it difficult to notice nearby cars. Macular degeneration can blur central vision, particularly affecting night driving due to glare. Seniors should have regular eye exams to detect issues early. Many states require a vision test for license renewal, so it is advisable to check local regulations.
Reaction times may also slow with age, which can complicate fast decision-making while driving, such as braking or avoiding obstacles. Cognitive declines, including memory issues and difficulty multitasking, further affect driving safety. Additionally, medications taken by seniors can cause side effects like drowsiness or dizziness, so it is essential to discuss the implications of any medications with a doctor.
Physical challenges, such as joint pain from arthritis or decreased strength, can hinder the ability to operate a vehicle effectively. Tasks like steering, braking, or checking blind spots might become more difficult. Family members should observe driving behaviors to assess if physical limitations are compromising safety.
Professional assessments can be beneficial. There are specialized tests for senior drivers conducted by geriatric doctors and occupational therapists who evaluate overall health and driving capabilities. The DMV also administers road tests to ensure drivers remain safe.
Typically, an evaluation consists of two parts: a clinic test measuring reaction time and vision, followed by an actual driving test with an expert observing driving skills. This thorough evaluation helps gauge one’s driving abilities accurately.
Doctors play a significant role by providing unbiased advice regarding whether health issues could make driving unsafe. Their assessments are based on objective facts, helping individuals and their families make informed decisions.
It is crucial to be aware of local driving laws and requirements for seniors. Checking the DMV website is essential as regulations can vary widely across different areas.
Seniors have a legal obligation to report medical conditions that could impair their driving, such as severe dizziness or certain seizure types. This responsibility is vital for the safety of everyone on the road.
Deciding to stop driving is a deeply personal decision that should reflect one’s health and safety rather than merely age. Open discussions with family and healthcare providers are important, as well as considering early driving evaluations. There are various ways to maintain mobility and independence after giving up a driver’s license.
Losing the ability to drive does not mean losing freedom but opening a new chapter in life, allowing for continued active and independent living through alternative means. - Albert Inglish
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In case you missed it:
ARTICLES AND STORIES FROM THE ARCHIVES
Lower your risk of falling
as you get older
with these simple steps
BY DEVI SHASTRI
* *
The Secret to Living Past
120 Years Old? Nanobots
* *
Scams against seniors
are on the rise:
‘There’s no magic wand
to get that money back’
By Robert Powell
* *
Elder fraud has reached
epidemic proportions –
a geriatrician explains
what older Americans
need to know
By Laurie Archbald-Pannone
* *
As older adults are living longer,
technology plays a valuable role
in their health
By Laurie Gerber
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Interesting facts about your kidneys:
- Your kidneys filter around 50 gallons of blood daily, removing waste products and excess fluids to produce urine.
-They help control blood pressure by releasing hormones like renin, which adjusts blood vessel constriction and fluid balance.
- Kidneys produce hormones such as erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production, and calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D.
- They help keep your body's levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and other electrolytes balanced, which is crucial for muscle function and nerve signaling.
- Unlike many organs, kidneys have a limited ability to heal and regenerate damaged tissue, but severe damage may lead to chronic kidney disease requiring medical intervention.
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MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025
©2025 Bruce Cooper
EMAIL: THESENIORLOG-USA@HOTMAIL.COM
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