About 1 in 4 adults experience some form of arthritis. But when is joint pain a normal part of aging, and when is it something that warrants further evaluation — or may even be reversible?

On this episode of Aging Forward, rheumatologist Dr. Elena Myasoedova discusses three major types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and crystalline arthritis. She explains the difference between degenerative and inflammatory arthritis, how periodontal health may affect joint health, and how to assess arthritic pain and know when to seek care.

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As we get older, many people notice changes in pelvic floor function, which can show up as urinary leakage or difficulty controlling the bladder.

In this episode of Aging Forward, John Occhino, M.D., explains why these issues are common, but not an inevitable part of aging. He discusses pelvic floor disorders, reviews nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, and explains how to perform Kegel exercises correctly.

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What happens when testosterone levels decline with age? And how can you tell the difference between signs of typical aging and true testosterone deficiency?

On this episode of Aging Forward, endocrinologist Dr. C. Scott Collins discusses the symptoms of low testosterone, the connection between sleep apnea and low testosterone, and why testosterone plays an important role beyond sexual function.

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So you have diabetes. Now what?

In this episode of Aging Forward — part two of our series on diabetes — registered dietitian Laura Knudsen returns to discuss eating patterns for nutrition and weight loss, and how to decide whether GLP-1 medications are right for you.

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Diabetes and prediabetes are increasingly common among older adults, with nearly one-third affected by diabetes and about half living with prediabetes.

This episode of Aging Forward features registered dietitian Laura Knudsen, who shares evidence-based strategies for managing diabetes through nutrition, weight loss, regular physical activity, and long-term lifestyle changes. She explains how sustainable diet and movement routines can improve blood sugar control, reduce reliance on medications, and even reverse early indicators of type 2 diabetes.

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Today we're highlighting another one of Mayo Clinic's podcasts, Mayo Clinic Talks. On this special episode feature, Aging Forward host Dr. Christina Chen discusses Alzheimer's disease and its effect on family dynamics.

Nearly six million people in the United States age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s Disease; of these about 80% are 75 years old and older. It is a devastating disease, not only for the patient, but also for the family of the patient involved. Unfortunately, currently available treatment for Alzheimer’s has been disappointing. Cure or even stability of the cognitive loss is not possible. The topics for today’s podcast include mild cognitive impairment and dementia, focusing on Alzheimer’s Disease, and our guest is Ronald C. Petersen, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist and specialist in Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. We’ll discuss the evaluation, the current available treatment as well as what might be on the horizon in the management of this disease.

Find more Mayo Clinic Talks podcasts https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-talks

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When we talk about health, we usually think about physical well-being: scheduling regular checkups and staying fit through exercise. We may also consider mental health and self-care. But how often do we think about spiritual health?

On this episode of Aging Forward, the Rev. BJ Larson discusses her work as a chaplain, the role of spirituality in aging well, and what people most want to hear at the end of life.

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How is physical therapy just for athletes?

On this episode of Aging Forward, physical therapist Josh Millitzer says older adults are athletes too — their sport is staying strong to maintain function and independence. He discusses early warning signs of physical decline, the risks of the “slippery slope of aging,” and how we can stop — and even reverse — decline through targeted interventions and hard work.

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On this very personal episode of Aging Forward, Kathy Anderson shares her experience caring for her mother, Ronnie, who lives with dementia. From the first signs of her mother’s decline to the ways the two make the most of each day, Kathy offers insights and hope for anyone on a similar path.

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Women typically live 5 to 6 years longer than men. But that extra time isn’t necessarily spent in good health — on average, women spend the last decade of their lives dealing with a cascade of health issues.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Maddy Dychtwald shares tips for making the most of those later years. She distinguishes between age accelerants and decelerants, and suggests exercises and habits to extend one’s lifespan, brainspan and healthspan.

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