Publications

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Healthy Aging: Lessons from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Based on findings from the first 50 years of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and other NIA research, this 28-page booklet addresses how aging research has changed over time and shares some of what has been learned about aging well.

Keywords: Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, Healthy Aging, Training Materials for Professionals
Healthy Eating After 50
“Food just doesn’t taste the same anymore.” “I can’t get out to go shopping.” “I’m just not that hungry.” Sound familiar? These are a few common reasons some older people don’t eat healthy meals. But, choosing healthy foods is a smart thing to do—no matter how old you are! Here are some tips to get you started:
Spanish Version
Keywords: Eating, Healthy Aging, Nutrition, Well-Being
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can affect your life in many ways. It can range from missing certain sounds to total loss of hearing. Hearing loss can be serious. You may not hear the sound of your smoke detector alerting you to a fire. You may miss out on talks with friends or family. Hearing problems can make you feel anxious, upset, and left out. It's easy to withdraw from people when you can't follow what is being said at the dinner table or in a restaurant. Friends and family may think you're confused, uncaring, or difficult when you're really having trouble hearing.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Assistive Devices, Ear Nose Throat, Hearing Loss
Heart Health
Elena keeps an eye on her husband Frank to make sure he is taking care of his heart. But she was surprised at a recent medical appointment when Dr. Reyes asked about her family's history of heart disease. When Dr. Reyes heard that Elena's mother had died after a heart attack, he told Elena that she too should be following a heart healthy lifestyle. He said older women, as well as older men, can have heart problems. So now, Elena and Frank are both taking steps toward heart health.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Cardiovascular, Heart Attack, Heart Conditions
High Blood Pressure
You can have high blood pressure, or hypertension, and still feel just fine. That’s because high blood pressure does not cause signs of illness that you can see or feel. But, high blood pressure, sometimes called “the silent killer,” is a major health problem. If high blood pressure isn’t controlled with lifestyle changes and medicine, it can lead to stroke, heart disease, eye problems, or kidney failure.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Cardiovascular, Heart Conditions, High Blood Pressure, Hypertension
HIV, AIDS, and Older People
Grace was dating again. George, a close family friend she had known for a long time, was starting to stay overnight more and more often. Because she was past childbearing age, Grace didn't think about using condoms. And because she had known George for so long, she didn't think to ask him about his sexual history. So, Grace was shocked when she tested positive for HIV.
Spanish Version
Keywords: AIDS and HIV, Prevention, Sexuality
Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease
This 40-page booklet for caregivers gives room by-room suggestions for creating a safer space for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving, Safety
Hormones and Menopause
Waking up flushed and sweaty several times a night left Cathy feeling tired all day. But when she began to feel hot on and off during the day as well, she went to see Dr. Kent. He told Cathy she was having hot flashes—a sign that she was starting the menopause transition. Dr. Kent talked about several ways to control her hot flashes. One was to use the hormone estrogen for a short time. He talked about the benefits and risks of this choice. Cathy said she remembered hearing something on a TV talk show about using hormones around menopause. Were they helpful? Were they safe?

Keywords: Hormones, Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Menopause, Women's Health
Hospital Hints
Has your doctor said you need a medical test that has to be done in the hospital? Do you need surgery? Most people worry when they have to stay overnight in the hospital. Learning more about what to expect and about people who work in hospitals can help.

Keywords: Health Care, Hospitalization, Physicians
Hospitalization Happens: A Guide to Hospital Visits for Individuals with Memory Loss
A trip to the hospital with a person who has memory loss or dementia can be stressful for both of you. This brochure can relieve some of that stress by helping you prepare for both unexpected and planned hospital visits. Here, you will find: steps you can take now to make hospital visits less traumatic; tips on making your relative or care partner more comfortable once you arrive at the hospital; and suggestions on how to work with hospital staff and doctors.

Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving, Hospitalization