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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Joints are more than just bone meeting bone.

They’re made up of the support structures around them: cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles — and even the fluid in between. As we age, wear and tear, stiffness and pain can prevent joints from working the way they used to.

In this episode of Aging Forward, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Pamela Mehta talks shoulders, knees and toes. She breaks down how diet affects joint health, explains why joint replacement surgery isn’t always the best option, and weighs in on the barefoot shoe trend.

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When we or our loved ones are no longer able to care for ourselves independently, what do our options for medical care look like? While 98% of people would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age, changing health needs mean that’s not always possible.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Jeffrey Kang makes the case for home health care. He breaks down how we can bring 90% of primary care into patients' homes, how older adult care has changed over time, and what the future of the industry might look like.

 

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The Alzheimer's Association estimates there's about 6.9 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease. And that number— without a more potent intervention— is expected to double every 20 years.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford talks how to spot the difference between normal aging memory loss and initial signs of dementia, risk factors for the disease, and his new book out this month, "Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, Revised and Updated." 

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1 in 2 older adults are at risk for malnutrition. While our physiology is changing, so are the body's nutritional needs; changing tastes, comorbidities, and financial insecurity can also play a role. So how can we optimize good nutrition as we get older, in order to fuel longevity?

On this episode of Aging Forward, dietician Tara Schmidt talks how dietary needs change post-menopause, the decline of our metabolisms, and the key nutrients to prioritize for older adults.

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