Mayo Clinic Aging Forward

GLP-1 medications are transforming weight loss — but what do they mean for healthy aging?

In this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Andres Acosta breaks down the difference between a “hungry gut” and a “hungry brain,” explores the potential risks of weight loss later in life, and shares what the future may hold for GLP-1s.

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How can you tell whether changes in your vision are a normal part of aging or a sign that something’s wrong?

On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. John J. Chen breaks it down. He explains what floaters are, how eye care technology has advanced over the years, and how treating cataracts can offer a new lease on life.

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Did you know aging is responsible for only a fraction of the health challenges people face before age 90?

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As more Americans age, many face an important question: Where will they choose to grow older? Aging at home can come with risks — but it can also offer comfort, independence, and even help reduce hospitalizations and delay the need for nursing home care.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Sarah Nosal explains how staying in a familiar environment can support not only daily function, but also emotional, physical and cognitive health — and what to consider when deciding if aging in place is the right choice.

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About 1 in 10 older U.S. adults experiences some form of abuse or neglect — an issue that’s often hidden in plain sight. Why do these situations happen, and how can our social support systems fall short?

On this episode of Aging Forward, lawyer and elder justice expert M.T. Connolly discusses where and how elder abuse can occur, why society often focuses on preventing aging instead of supporting people as they age, and what community-based solutions could help reduce harm and better protect older adults.

Chronic illnesses don’t always happen one at a time. They often cluster together — leaving older adults juggling medications, appointments and physical limitations in their day-to-day lives.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Brent Smith breaks down how we can age well when life feels medically complex. He explains why he recommends an annual medication review, the potential advantages of deprescribing and how realistic goal-setting can create a cascade of benefits for overall well-being.

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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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