Publications

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Clinical Trials and Older People
Mr. Jackson is 73 years old and just found out that he has Alzheimer's disease. He is worried about how it will affect his daily life. Will he forget to take his medicine? Will he forget his favorite memories, like the births of his children or taking part in the March on Washington with Martin Luther King, Jr.? When Mr. Jackson talked to his doctor about his concerns, the doctor told him about a clinical trial that is testing a possible new Alzheimer's treatment. But Mr. Jackson is not sure about this clinical trial business.

Keywords: Clinical Trials, Research, Training Materials for Professionals
Concerned About Constipation?
Nearly everyone becomes constipated at one time or another. Older people are more likely than younger people to become constipated, but most of the time it's not serious. Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. You may be constipated if you are having fewer bowel movements than usual, it takes a long time to pass stools, and the stools are hard.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Constipation, Digestive System, Nutrition
Considering Surgery?
Have you been told by your doctor that you need surgery? If so, you're not alone. Millions of older Americans have surgery each year. For most surgeries, you will have time to find out about the operation, talk about other treatments with your surgeon (medical doctor who does the operation), and decide what to do. You also have time to get a second opinion.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Health Care, Hospitalization, Risk, Surgery
Crime and Older People
Lucy is worried. She's lived in the same neighborhood for 50 years, but things seem to be changing. Last week, her friend Rose was walking to the store when a young man ran by and pulled her purse right off her shoulder. Two weeks ago, Joe, the man upstairs, put his grocery bags on the curb while waiting for the bus, and before he knew it, someone had picked up his bags and run off. Lucy feels sad to think she might have to move. She wonders, is anywhere safe for older people anymore?
Spanish Version
Keywords: Elder Abuse, Fraud, Personal Safety, Risk, Safety
Depression
Everyone feels blue now and then. It's part of life. But, if you no longer enjoy activities that you usually like, you may have a more serious problem. Being depressed, without letup, can change the way you think and feel. Doctors call this "clinical depression."
Spanish Version
Keywords: Depression, Emotional Health, Mental Health, Prevention
Diabetes In Older People—A Disease You Can Manage
Diabetes is a serious disease. People get diabetes when their blood glucose level, sometimes called blood sugar, is too high. Diabetes can lead to dangerous health problems, such as having a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that there are things you can do to take control of diabetes and prevent its problems. And, if you are worried about getting diabetes, there are things you can do to lower your risk.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Diabetes, Foot Problems, Kidneys and Urinary System, Medicare, Prevention
Dietary Supplements
Bill's retired and lives alone. Often he's just not hungry or is too tired to fix a whole meal. Does he need a multivitamin, or should he take one of those dietary supplements he sees in ads everywhere? Bill wonders if they work—will one help keep his joints healthy or another give him more energy? And, are they safe?

Keywords: Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Dietary Supplements, Eating, Nutrition
Elder Abuse
Gerald, 73, had a stroke. Unable to care for himself, he moved in with his son’s family. His son tried to help, but it was Frances, his daughter-in-law, who usually cooked special meals and helped him bathe and dress. Frances was already busy staying ahead of two teenage boys and teaching third grade. At first everyone was glad to have Gerald living with the family. But after a few months, Frances was yelling at him often and sometimes didn’t help him get dressed until late afternoon. Gerald was upset, but he didn’t know what to do.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Caregiving, Elder Abuse
End of Life: Helping With Comfort and Care
This 68-page guide discusses key issues at the end of life. Topics include finding hospice care, what happens at the time of death, managing grief, and preparing advance directives along with resources for more information.

Keywords: Advance Directives, End of Life, Palliative Care, Training Materials for Professionals
Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging
Get moving! This 120-page guide describes the benefits of exercise and physical activity for older people. Learn how to set exercise goals and stick to them. Includes sample exercises for endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility and a list of resources.
Spanish Version
Keywords: Exercise, Physical Activity