About.com Senior Living

Drug Information from A-Z

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:50:49 +0000

Many older adults take multiple prescriptions, some of which don't interact well. That's why it's so important to have complete drug information about the medication and supplements you take, including their effectiveness, safety, and possible side effects. Here are two handy guides that provide comprehensive drug information about prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as herbal supplements. And one will even help you identify that stray pill in the bottom of your suitcase.

On the subject of health, it's unfortunate that older adults are more vulnerable to problems caused by tainted food and unsafe medications because chronic illness, other medications and the aging process can weaken the immune system. Keep yourself safe by keeping up with the latest food recalls, drug recalls and safety alerts.
_{Photo: Don Bishop/Getty}

Senior Blogs: Mental Exercise and a Connection to the World

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:09:46 +0000

If you regularly use the Internet, you are in good company. The number of adults over 50 who use the Internet is growing steadily, according to a Harris Poll. Find out how many of your fellow older Americans use the Internet.

And what�s a popular leisure activity for Web-savvy seniors? Senior blogs, which offer a wealth of benefits for older adults, including mental stimulation, an opportunity to keep up with current events, and a connection to people around the world. Some of the most fun reading on the Internet are the wry, candid and thoughtful musings of older adults.
_{Photo by Norbert Machinek}

Are Your Canadian Prescription Drugs from an Authentic Canada Pharmacy?

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:43:45 +0000

When you order prescription drugs online from a Canada pharmacy, how do you know they come from an authentic Canada pharmacy?

Back in August, 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted "Operation Bait and Switch" at three U.S. airports to determine if supposed Canadian prescription drugs were from actual Canada pharmacies. Of 4,000 packages confiscated, 85% were not manufactured in Canada, but in 27 other countries.
_{Photo courtesy of Trisha Shears}

Carol & Richard Eustice, your Guides to Arthritis, have the full story�and they offer tips that buyers should follow when ordering prescription drugs from Canada pharmacies on the Internet.

Read: Canada Pharmacy: Is your Internet order really coming from a Canada pharmacy?

More Prescription Drug Information:

What You Need to Know About Canadian Prescription Drugs

How to Get Free or Low-Cost Prescription Medication

Drug Companies Agree to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs by $80 Million in 10 Years

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:58:08 +0000

In an ongoing effort to reduce healthcare costs, President Obama announced an agreement with pharmaceutical companies that will reduce prescription drug costs by $80 billion (included in an overall cost savings of $2 trillion) over the next 10 years. The agreement, which was reached between Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, Obama administration officials, and U.S. drug companies, and announced on June 22, 2009, is expected to ultimately reduce the price of prescription drugs by half for millions of America�s seniors.

As part of the agreement, drug manufacturers that participate in Medicare Part D (also called the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan) will either pay a rebate to Medicare or offer a substantial discount of at least 50 percent on prescription drugs to seniors who fall within the "doughnut hole"� payments between $2700 and $6153.75 that are not covered by Medicare.

The White House says this agreement �will help close this unfair gap in coverage, providing relief for millions of seniors who have been burdened by these out-of-pocket expenses, making it easier for them to get the prescriptions that they need.�

Announcing the agreement, President Obama confirmed his determination to reduce healthcare costs. �Our goal -- our imperative -- is to reduce the punishing inflation in health care costs while improving patient care. And to do that we're going to have to work together to root out waste and inefficiencies that may pad the bottom line of the insurance industry, but add nothing to the health of our nation.�

At this time, no information has been provided about changes to Medicare or how cost reductions will be handled on an individual basis. I imagine it will take awhile to put the agreement in place, and the agreement stipulates that this will happen within 10 years so I wouldn't expect major changes right away.

If you have questions about how this will affect you, I encourage you to contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The phone lines are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug "doughnut hole," how the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D) works and how to enroll in the program, see Medicare Prescription Drug Plan: How to Understand It and Enroll.

Dementia: A Caregiver�s Guide

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:23:59 +0000

Dementia is a progressive brain disease, often causing people who have dementia to struggle with memory loss and an inability to think clearly. People with dementia also find it difficult to maintain a stable mood and perform common daily functions such as eating, bathing, and communicating with others. While dementia patients struggle with daily life, their caregivers have special challenges too. If you are the caregiver for someone with dementia, look here for information and support about understanding and coping with dementia.
_{Photo by Alex Ward}

Related Resources:

How to Find Caregiver Support and Resources

Caregiver�s Risk of Death Increases When Spouse is Hospitalized

Why Being a Caregiver is Hard on Your Health

Tips for Caregivers: How to Take Care of Yourself

Why Employers Are Cutting Retiree Health Benefits, and What You Can Do About It

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:49:04 +0000

As companies downsize or close as a result of our sluggish economy, benefits and jobs are being cut. One of the results is that at the same time boomers are considering (or being forced into) early retirement, more employers are reducing or eliminating retiree health benefits. To understand the reasons why even stable companies cut retiree health benefits--and what can you do to protect your benefits--here are some answers from economist and author, Paul Zane Pilzer.

Healthy Aging: Keep a Positive Attitude

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:13:05 +0000

How about if we stop measuring success in our older years by the standards we used in our 20's...or 40's? With a slight shift in attitude and perspective (let go of grumbling and focus on what's positive in your life) it's possible to see aging in a new way, which will help make your senior years more fulfilling and happy. If you could use a little cheering up, perhaps this amusing and insightful advice about healthy aging will give you something to smile about.

More About Positive Thinking:
Positive Thinking Can Help You Feel Better, Longer
_{Photo: Dave Nagel/Getty Images}

How Trauma Takes a Toll on Senior Health

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:17:56 +0000

How healthy you feel in your senior years can be determined by the psychological trauma you experienced during your childhood or young adult years. In my counseling practice I see clearly how different types of trauma--from a car accident to physical abuse--affect people's self-esteem and and their ability to enjoy healthy relationships. Trauma also has an effect on physical health; learn more about the link between trauma and health, and how trauma can make older adults more prone to illness.
_{Photo by Float}

Is Your Parent Ready for Assisted Living? Here's Help for a Difficult Decision

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:01:50 +0000

When I get email from people who must make the difficult decision to move parents from their homes to assisted living facilities, my heart goes out to them. Having personal experience with this issue, I know that moving a parent into assisted living can be hard for the whole family. It is often difficult for the seniors, especially if they are accustomed to being independent and maintaining their own homes. But the decision to choose an assisted living facility for a loved one can be just as hard for the children as it is for the parents. If you think it's time to consider this decision, the answers to these questions can help you decide if your parent needs assisted living.

When did you know it was time to move your parent into assisted living? Add your comment to this blog.
_{Photo by the Horton Group}

Are You Stuck in the Sandwich Generation?

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:02:20 +0000

Let's say you're nearing retirement, or you're already retired. You have an aging parent who now requires costly care, and you also have an adult child who lives with you or still needs your help to pay for college or an apartment. Are you feeling a financial or emotional squeeze? If so, you're in what's called the sandwich generation--a trend that threatens to undermine the retirement plans of many boomers and seniors.

But don't despair. If you find yourself caretaking your aging parents and adult children, there are ways to cope with or avoid sandwich generation problems.
_{Photo courtesy of A.J. Smith}