Better Health While Aging

Dr. K talks with Anne Tumlinson, founder of Daughterhood.org. They discuss what families struggle with the most, the upcoming Aging 2.0 Optimize Conference, promising innovations to help family caregivers and older adults, and more.

Dr. K explains what all older adults and family caregivers should know about the annual flu shot. She covers the basics of falling ill from influenza, how the vaccines work, which flu shots are specifically designed for older adults, which one she thinks is best for most aging adults, what to do if your older relative is refusing the flu shot, and much more.

Dr. K talks with Griffin Myers, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Oak Street Health, a Chicago-based network of primary care clinics designed to serve older adults. They discuss the problems with usual primary care and how Oak Street Health is providing better services without charging extra fees.

Dr. K explains what to know about cerebral small vessel disease, a very common brain condition linked to cognitive decline, balance and walking problems, dementia, and other significant health issues in older adults.

Dr. K explains what to know and what to do, if you're concerned about an older person who is losing weight. She also covers the most common causes of weight loss, how this serious problem should be evaluated, and when to consider appetite stimulants or nutritional supplements.

Dr. K talks about deprescribing risky medications with geriatrician Dr. Cara Tannenbaum, an expert on empowering older adults to avoid potentially inappropriate medications. They discuss why sleeping pills and sedatives have been a particular focus of attention in Canada, which medications are most important to deprescribe, and much more.

Dr. K explains 5 key basics that all family caregivers should know about the HIPAA Privacy Rule, and your options for getting doctors to share information about an older relative's health. She also covers what you can do if the older person can't or won't give written consent, and addresses other common caregiver questions.

Dr. K addresses concerns about the use of morphine and lorazepam (brand name Ativan) while on hospice care. She explains how these drugs can be used for end of life symptoms, what the research and expert guidelines recommend, and what you can do if you're concerned about a relative's hospice care.

Dr. K explains the basics of hospice, with a special focus on hospice for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. She also addresses common misperceptions people have about hospice and palliative care, and explains how to know when someone with dementia might be eligible for hospice.

Dr. K explains healthcare's fundamental flaws and how to fix them, as articulated by the visionary healthcare reformer Dr. Larry Weed, who died this month at age 93. Includes tips on how to get better care in today's healthcare system.