Breathing changes should become a concern when shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, or changes in mucus become new, persistent, or noticeably worse than usual. During World COPD Day in November, older adults and their families can learn to recognize symptoms that may indicate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or changes in an existing respiratory condition.…

GERD Awareness Week can help older adults recognize when frequent heartburn, acid reflux, swallowing difficulties, or other digestive symptoms deserve attention. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the esophagus, potentially causing uncomfortable symptoms and irritation. Occasional digestive discomfort is common, but persistent, worsening, or unusual symptoms should not simply…

Nurse Practitioner Week can remind older adults that managing chronic health conditions usually requires ongoing attention rather than waiting until symptoms become serious. Nurse practitioners can play an important role in evaluating health concerns, monitoring chronic conditions, reviewing medications, providing education, ordering appropriate tests, and coordinating care within their permitted scope of practice. For older…

Thanksgiving gatherings can help families notice changes in an older loved one’s care needs because relatives often spend more time together than they do during ordinary phone calls or brief visits. Adult children may notice changes in mobility, personal care, eating habits, memory, household routines, or social behavior that were difficult to recognize from a…

National Home Health Care Month in November can help families understand that, when medically appropriate, recovering at home may allow an older adult to receive needed services while remaining in familiar surroundings. Skilled home health professionals may provide nursing, therapy, and other services according to an individualized care plan. Families may also combine home health…

National Dental Hygiene Month, observed in October, can support better overall health for older adults by encouraging regular oral hygiene, appropriate dental care, and early attention to changes involving the teeth, gums, mouth, and dentures. Oral health remains important throughout life. For older adults, problems such as dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss, medication effects,…

World Food Day, observed on October 16, can encourage better nutrition and healthy aging by reminding older adults, families, and caregivers that nutritious food is an important part of maintaining health and everyday function. As people age, changes in appetite, mobility, medications, health conditions, and the ability to shop or prepare meals can affect nutrition.…

Food and Drug Interactions Awareness Week can promote safer medication use for older adults by reminding families and caregivers that foods, beverages, supplements, and medications can sometimes affect one another. Older adults are more likely to take multiple medications, which can make careful medication management especially important. The observance is a useful time to review…

Organize Your Medical Information Month can help families manage an older adult’s healthcare needs by encouraging them to gather important health information in one secure, easy-to-update place. A current list of medications, healthcare providers, medical conditions, allergies, insurance information, and emergency contacts can make appointments and unexpected situations easier to manage. October is a useful…

Global Handwashing Day, observed on October 15, can encourage better infection prevention for older adults by reminding families, caregivers, and senior care providers that proper handwashing is one of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of many germs. Older adults may be more vulnerable to complications from certain infections, making everyday hygiene especially important.…