Better Health While Aging

By Better Health While Aging

Practical information for aging health & family caregivers... more

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FAQs about Better Health While Aging:

How many episodes does Better Health While Aging have?

The podcast currently has 182 episodes available.

Better Health While Aging episodes:

May 06, 2022128 – COVID Update for Aging Adults (5.5.22 Edition)
Dr. K discusses the current rise in COVID cases, the related risks for aging adults, what to know about the newest Omicron variants, and the most effective ways to take sensible precautions.
She covers:
Where we are at with COVID now, and the impact on aging adults
About the Omicron variants BA.2 and BA.2.12.1
What’s changed (& hasn’t) with COVID
The latest on COVID vaccine efficacy during Omicron
What to know about first and second boosters
The latest on how COVID is being transmitted
What to do for masking to be effective
Ventilation & checking CO2 levels
Does rapid testing still work?
What to know if you catch COVID
Whether to mask on airplanes & answers to other FAQs
Her top recommendations for taking reasonable precautions right now
Note: you can get the CO2 monitor Dr. K refers to on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3yhDtq8. This is an affiliate link, so any purchases will help support Better Health While Aging, at no extra cost to you.
Related Episodes:
127 – COVID Update for Aging Adults (2.24.22 Edition)
Related Resources:
BHWA:
COVID & Aging Adults: 2022 Updates
COVID Vaccination for Aging Adults: What to Know & Do
To track COVID data:
NY Times COVID Tracker
OurWorldInData.org Coronavirus Data Explorer
CDC Nursing Home Covid-19 Data Dashboard
CDC Wastewater Surveillance
CDC COVID cases and deaths by vaccine status
CDC:
COVID variant proportion tracker
FDA: Paxlovid EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers
For masking, ventilation COVID transmission information:
CIDRAP: What can masks do? Part 1: The science behind COVID-19 protection
Project N95
Twitter resources
@kprather88, @linseymarr, @masknerd
CDC Interactive ventilation tool
The Corsi-Rosenthal Box: DIY Box Fan Air Filter for COVID-19 and Wildfire Smoke
From medical journals and research groups:
SARS-CoV-2 transmission on planes, by “Your Local Epidemiologist” Katelyn Jetelina, PhD
UK Health Security Agency COVID-19 vaccine weekly surveillance reports
Effectiveness of 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccines against symptomatic COVID-19 and hospitalisation in adults aged 65 years and older (UK HSA)
Efficacy of a Fourth Dose of Covid-19 mRNA Vaccine against Omicron (NEJM 3/16/22)
Protection by a Fourth Dose of BNT162b2 against Omicron in Israel (NEJM 4/5/22)
From news and other media:
Another rare virus puzzle: They got sick, got treated, got covid again (WaPo 4/27/22, about Paxlovid relapses)
If you’ve had omicron before, are you safe from infection by the new variants? (NPR 5/4/22)
Twitter sources that helped with this update:
Dr. Eric Topol (good for all kinds of COVID data and info)
Graphic for PCR and rapid tests here
Dr. Bob Wachter (good for SF data and thinking through risk for 60 year olds)
Good thread on whether it’s currently worth trying to avoid COVID here
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44min
February 25, 2022127 – COVID Update for Aging Adults (2.24.22 Edition)
In This Episode:
Dr. K discusses the ebbing of the Omicron surge, what to know about the “stealth” Omicron BA.2 (it has taken over in Denmark and is growing here), how to “live with COVID” safely, and more.
She covers:
Why current COVID numbers are better but still not low enough
What we’ve learned about vaccines & boosters during the Omicron surge
What we can learn from Denmark lifting all COVID restrictions
How to compare US COVID data to that of other countries, and why our outcomes are worse
What to know about the Omicron sister variant BA.2
What it would mean for COVID to be “endemic”
The ideal approach to living with COVID
Wastewater & other ways to monitor COVID in your local area
What older adults can do to keep themselves and their families safer
Note: The CDC released updated guidance re COVID and assessing local COVID-19 community levels on 2/25/22. Dr. K has posted written comments regarding this on her 2022 COVID article: COVID & Aging Adults: 2022 Updates.
Related Episodes:
126 – Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (1.6.22 Edition)
Related Resources:
BHWA:
COVID & Aging Adults: 2022 Updates
COVID Vaccination for Aging Adults: What to Know & Do
To track COVID data:
NY Times COVID Tracker
OurWorldInData.org Coronavirus Data Explorer
CDC Nursing Home Covid-19 Data Dashboard
CDC Wastewater Surveillance
CDC COVID cases and deaths by vaccine status
CDC:
COVID variant proportion tracker
FDA: Paxlovid EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers
Twitter threads referenced in update:
Kristian Andersen on Danish COVID outcomes since restrictions were lifted
Bob Wachter on estimating the COVID risk of attending a party
Photo summarizing his math here
From medical journals and research groups:
UK Health Security Agency COVID-19 vaccine weekly surveillance reports
Effectiveness of 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccines against symptomatic COVID-19 and hospitalisation in adults aged 65 years and older (UK HSA)
Effectiveness of mRNA-1273 against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variants
Immunogenicity of a BNT162b2 Vaccine Booster Against SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron Variants in Older People
4th Dose COVID mRNA Vaccines’ Immunogenicity & Efficacy Against Omicron VOC
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VOC subvariants BA.1 and BA.2: Evidence from Danish Households
Reinfection with different subtypes of Omicron is possible
Covid-19: Even mild infections can cause long term heart problems, large study finds
From news and other media:
What does endemic mean? Experts answer your questions about the future of covid. (Washington Post)
U.S. Covid Death Toll Surpasses 900,000 as Omicron’s Spread Slows
More contagious version of omicron spreads in U.S., fueling worries (NPR)
Twitter sources that helped with this update:
Dr. Eric Topol (good for all kinds of COVID data and info)
Graphic for PCR and rapid tests here
Zeynep Tufecki (smart takes on COVID & more)
Dr. Ashish Jha (good for pithy common-sense takes on COVID)
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44min
January 07, 2022126 – Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (1.6.22 Edition)
In This Episode:
This episode covers the latest on the ongoing Omicron surge, including whether it’s milder in older adults, what’s we’ve learned about rapid testing for Omicron, what to know about the current hospital situation, how to stay safer during the surge, and more.
The episode also addresses these FAQs:
But isn’t Omicron supposedly “milder”?
Do COVID tests (PCR and rapid) work against Omicron?
Do the COVID vaccines still “work”, and will they work against Omicron?
Are the COVID vaccines effective in older adults?
Why get vaccinated/boosted if you’re just going to get COVID anyway?
What about those new COVID treatments?
Shouldn’t we just “let it rip”?
And if I test positive for COVID?
Is it safe to ….
Related Episodes:
125 – Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (12.16.21 Edition)
Related Resources:
BHWA:
COVID & Aging Adults: 2022 Updates
COVID Vaccination for Aging Adults: What to Know & Do
CDC:
COVID 19 Quarantine and Isolation
Nursing Home Covid-19 Data Dashboard
FDA: Paxlovid EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers
From medical journals and research groups:
Imperial College London Omicron severity report (Dec 22, 2021)
From news and other media:
NY Times COVID Tracker
The C.D.C. Is Hoping You’ll Figure Covid Out on Your Own (Zeynep Tufecki, Jan 5, 2022)
Emerging Data Raise Questions About Antigen Tests and Nasal Swabs (Jan 5, 2022)
CDC recommits to isolation and quarantine guidelines without tests (Jan 4, 2022)
Pfizer Investor Presentation (covers Paxlovid and more) (Dec 17, 2021)
Twitter sources that helped with this update:
Dr. Eric Topol (good for all kinds of COVID data and info)
Graphic for PCR and rapid tests here
Dr. Michael Mina (good for understanding COVID tests & more)
John Burn-Murdoch (good for COVID data stories, mostly UK but some US)
Zeynep Tufecki (smart takes on COVID & more)
Dr. Ashish Jha (good for pithy common-sense takes on COVID)
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44min
December 17, 2021125 – Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (12.16.21 Edition)
In This Episode:
This update covers Omicron, COVID boosters, plus how to search the CDC data to see just how well vaccines have worked, even in older adults. I also show the data demonstrating that vaccinated people age 80+ are still at higher risk of serious COVID than unvaccinated people under age 50; this is why fully vaccinated older adults should take precautions during the current surge!
(View the show notes page to watch my subtitled talk and my slides.)
This episode includes:
What do we know about Omicron so far, and will the vaccines remain protective
Should I get vaccinated against COVID?
Should my 90-year-old mother get the COVID vaccine?
How well does the vaccine work in older adults? How to use CDC data to see how well it works in different age groups
Should I worry that the vaccine might harm me (or my frail older parent)?
Who should get a COVID booster and why?
How to stay safer during the holidays.
Related Episodes:
123 – Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (10.28.21 Edition)
Related Resources:
BHWA:
COVID Vaccination for Aging Adults: What to Know & Do
CDC:
CDC COVID Data Tracker
County view (to check your local transmission rates)
Rates of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths by Vaccination Status
Rates of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 hospitalizations by vaccination status
Nursing Home Covid-19 Data Dashboard
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots
Selected Adverse Events Reported after COVID-19 Vaccination
SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant — United States, December 1–8, 2021 (report on first Omicron cases in US)
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Safety (from 11/19/21 CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting)
From medical journals:
Preliminary findings from study after Christmas party in Oslo (Norwegian Institute of Public Health)
Protection of BNT162b2 Vaccine Booster against Covid-19 in Israel (NEJM Oct 2021)
From news and other media:
Omicron: What We Know About the New Coronavirus Variant (NY Times Dec 2021)
As U.S. Nears 800,000 Virus Deaths, 1 of Every 100 Older Americans Has Perished (NY Times 12/13/21)
For COVID-19, age matters as much as vaccination status (9/27/21)
I’m fully vaccinated and I also had COVID. Do I need a booster? (NPR Nov 2021)
COVID-19 preventable mortality and leading cause of death ranking (Kaiser Family Foundation analysis, Dec 2021)
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44min
November 19, 2021124 – Does Your Aging Parent Need Help?<br> What to check & how to talk about it
In This Episode:
Dr. K explains what to do if you’ve become worried about your aging parent, and are trying to figure out if they need help, or are unsure of what to do next. She covers:
What mental changes are normal as people get older, and what’s not normal
The three types of problems you’ll want to check for
Specific signs to check for, to detect possible memory or thinking problems
How to tell if your parent needs more help around the house or with their daily life
The safety red flags I usually check for
A more respectful and effective way to talk to your aging parent about how things are going
What to stop doing and what to do instead, to reduce conflicts
Related episode:
028 – When Older Parents Resist Help: 4 Tips for Better Talks
Related Resources:
When Your Aging Parent Needs Help: A geriatrician’s step-by-step guide to memory loss, resistance, safety worries & more
6 Ways that Memory & Thinking Change with Normal Aging (& What to Do About This)
What are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) & Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)?
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30min
November 19, 2021 124 – Does Your Aging Parent Need Help?<br> What to check & how to talk about it
In This Episode:
Dr. K explains what to do if you’ve become worried about your aging parent, and are trying to figure out if they need help, or are unsure of what to do next. She covers:
What mental changes are normal as people get older, and what’s not normal
The three types of problems you’ll want to check for
Specific signs to check for, to detect possible memory or thinking problems
How to tell if your parent needs more help around the house or with their daily life
The safety red flags I usually check for
A more respectful and effective way to talk to your aging parent about how things are going
What to stop doing and what to do instead, to reduce conflicts
Related episode:
028 – When Older Parents Resist Help: 4 Tips for Better Talks
Related Resources:
When Your Aging Parent Needs Help: A geriatrician’s step-by-step guide to memory loss, resistance, safety worries & more
6 Ways that Memory & Thinking Change with Normal Aging (& What to Do About This)
What are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) & Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)?
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30min
October 29, 2021123 – Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (10.28.21 Edition)
In This Episode:
This video update covers COVID boosters, recent research on the efficacy of COVID vaccination in older adults over the last six months, why we are seeing breakthrough infections, and more. I also cover my recommendations for how aging adults and their families can be safer during the holidays, and using rapid antigen tests.
(View the show notes page to watch my subtitled talk and my slides.)
This episode includes:
The current COVID situation in US
What recent research shows, when it comes to how well the vaccines work over time and in older age groups
What to know about COVID boosters and who should get them
How to stay safe during the holidays
What to know about rapid antigen tests
My latest recommendations for older adult & families
Related Episodes:
122 – Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (9.9.21 Edition)
Related Resources:
BHWA:
COVID Vaccination for Aging Adults: What to Know & Do
CDC:
CDC COVID Data Tracker (to check your local transmission rates)
CDC: When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated
Nursing Home Covid-19 Data Dashboard
Rates of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths by Vaccination Status
CDC: Comparative Effectiveness of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Vaccines in Preventing COVID-19 Hospitalizations Among Adults Without Immunocompromising Conditions — United States, March–August 2021 (Published Sept 2021)
COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People (CDC)
Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Nursing Home Residents Before and During Widespread Circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant — National Healthcare Safety Network, March 1–August 1, 2021
From medical journals:
Heterologous SARS-CoV-2 Booster Vaccinations – Preliminary Report
The accuracy of novel antigen rapid diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2: a living systematic review and meta-analysis
COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness by Product and Timing in New York State (pre-print posted Oct 9, 2021)
Effectiveness of mRNA BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine up to 6 months in a large integrated health system in the USA: a retrospective cohort study (Lancet, Oct 2021, about the Pfizer vaccine)
From news and other media:
For COVID-19, age matters as much as vaccination status (9/27/21)
Who Had Covid-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Cases? (10/28/21)
C.D.C. Recommends Covid Booster Shots for Millions of Americans (10/21/21)
If You’ve Had Covid, Do You Need the Vaccine? (10/12/21) (about hybrid immunity)
NY Times: COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker
NY Times: Coronavirus Variant Tracker
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1h 9min
September 10, 2021122 – Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (9.9.21 Edition)
In This Episode:
This video update covers my latest thoughts on the Delta surge, what we’ve learned about the efficacy of COVID vaccination in older adults over the last six months, breakthrough COVID cases, and whether “boosters” will be required.
(View the show notes page to watch my subtitled talk and my slides.)
This episode covers:
The current COVID situation in US
What we’ve learned about COVID vaccination over 6 months
The latest on third doses (aka “boosters”)
How to know what’s safe & answers to FAQs
My latest recommendations for older adult & families
Note: A day after I recorded my update, the CDC released three additional studies regarding COVID vaccination. You can read about them here. Basically, one study concluded that vaccinated people are 5x less likely to get COVID, 10x less likely to be hospitalized, and 11x less likely to die of COVID. Another study found that vaccine efficacy is a bit lower in adults older than 75, compared to younger than 75, and that vaccine efficacy was better with Moderna than Pfizer. And a study in veterans found that “vaccine effectiveness in preventing COVID-19–related hospitalization was 80% among adults aged ≥65 years compared with 95% among adults aged 18–64 years.”
Related Episodes:
121 – Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (7.29.21 Edition)
Related Resources:
BHWA:
COVID Vaccination for Aging Adults: What to Know & Do
CDC:
CDC COVID Data Tracker (to check your local transmission rates)
CDC: When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated
Nursing Home Covid-19 Data Dashboard
COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People (CDC)
Effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Nursing Home Residents Before and During Widespread Circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant — National Healthcare Safety Network, March 1–August 1, 2021
From medical journals:
Comparison of two highly-effective mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 during periods of Alpha and Delta variant prevalence (Mayo Clinic pre-print Aug 2021)
Viral loads of Delta-variant SARS-CoV2 breakthrough infections following vaccination and booster with the BNT162b2 vaccine (Pre-print from Israel)
From news and other media:
What to know about booster shots if you received Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine (9/8/21)
So you got the J&J vaccine? Here’s what you should know about the delta variant, boosters, and more (8/18/21)
Highly Vaccinated Israel Is Seeing A Dramatic Surge In New COVID Cases. Here’s Why (NPR 8/20/21)
Health Officials Advise White House to Scale Back Booster Plan for Now (NY Times, 9/3/21)
NY Times: COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker
NY Times: Coronavirus Variant Tracker
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44min
July 30, 2021121 – Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (7.29.21 Edition)
In This Episode:
This video update includes my thoughts on the Delta variant and the latest CDC announcement regarding guidance for fully vaccinated adults, what to know about “breakthrough” COVID cases in nursing homes and elsewhere, recent studies on the efficacy of vaccines in older adults (and why some touted study results may not apply to older adults), who might not be well protected by the vaccine, and more.
(View the show notes page to watch my subtitled talk and my slides.)
This episode covers:
A recap of the current COVID & vaccine situation
What to know about Delta & the latest CDC mask update
“Breakthrough” COVID cases
Updates on COVID safety & efficacy in older adults and the immunocompromised
Whether boosters will be needed and whether to get one if available
My latest recommendations for older adults & families
Note: Since I recorded my update, the Washington Post has reported on the CDC’s internal presentation covering why they are so concerned about the Delta variant. The data presented is interesting and can be found here.
Related Resources:
BHWA:
COVID Vaccination for Aging Adults: What to Know & Do
CDC:
CDC COVID Data Tracker (to check your local transmission rates)
Internal CDC presentation on Delta variant and breakthrough infections (July 29, 2021)
CDC: When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated
Nursing Home Covid-19 Data Dashboard
CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (meeting slides on vaccine safety and efficacy topics are usually very informative; browse for the latest ones here)
COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness studies (May 12, 2021; includes some nursing home studies)
From medical journals:
Covid-19 Breakthrough Infections in Vaccinated Health Care Workers (July 2021)
Effectiveness of Covid-19 Vaccines against the B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant (July 2021)
From news and other media:
The war has changed’: Internal CDC document urges new messaging, warns delta infections likely more severe (July 30, 2021)
CDC reversal on indoor masking prompts experts to ask, ‘Where’s the data?’ (July 2021)
Israeli Data Suggests Possible Waning in Effectiveness of Pfizer Vaccine (July 2021)
Biden Officials Now Expect Vulnerable Americans to Need Booster Shots (July 2021)
Citing New Data, Pfizer Outlines Case for Booster Shots (July 2021)
NY Times: COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker
NY Times: Coronavirus Variant Tracker
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40min
May 20, 2021120 – Depression in Aging: Diagnosis & Treatment
Watch the subtitled video and search the transcript by clicking above.
(For a short tutorial on how to search the transcript, see here.)
In This Episode:
Guest host Dr. Nicole Didyk discusses the diagnosis and treatment of depression, including why it’s often tricky to diagnose in later life, and how it can be treated. (Note: depression in the context of dementia will be covered in an upcoming episode.) Dr. Didyk is a geriatrician in Canada, and the founder of the blog and YouTube channel The Wrinkle.
She covers:
What’s different about depression in older adults?
What are the signs that an older person might be depressed?
What medical illnesses can mimic depression?
Which medications can cause or worsen depressive symptoms?
How can depression be treated in older adults?
What to do if you’re concerned about depression in an older person
Related episodes:
053 – Interview: Addressing Loneliness in Aging
Related Resources:
VIDEO: Geriatric Depression – is it normal for old people to be sad? with Dr. Didyk
Depression in Aging: Diagnosis & Treatment When the Golden Years are Blue
Older Adults and Depression — National Institute of Mental Health
Depression in Older Adults – HelpGuide.org
Depression | Aging & Health A-Z | American Geriatrics Society | HealthInAging.org
Suicide Prevention Helplines (available 24/7):
IOA Friendship Line (developed for older adults): 800-971-0016
United States 1-800-273-TALK
Canada 1-833-456-4566
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37min

FAQs about Better Health While Aging:

How many episodes does Better Health While Aging have?

The podcast currently has 182 episodes available.

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