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No gaps in understanding: Here’s your primer on Medigap coverage

Every year, older adults can opt out of a Medicare Advantage plan and opt in to original Medicare during open enrollment season, which begins on Oct. 15.

26 Jul 2018

Virtual reality may improve empathy and understanding for older adults with dementia

Virtual reality technology gives high school students greater insight into what it's like to be Alfred -- a 74-year-old African American man with suspected mild cognitive impairment, plus age-related vision and hearing loss, or Beatriz, a middle-aged Latina, as she progresses through the continuum of Alzheimer's disease.

23 Jul 2018

Geriatric assessments could fine-tune cancer care for older adults

In a move to improve cancer care for older adults, the American Society of Clinical Oncology is recommending that all patients age 65 and older receive a geriatric assessment when considering or undergoing chemotherapy.

28 Jun 2018

Zucchini, brown rice, turkey soup - Medicaid plan offers food as medicine

Feliciano Pagan stood at his front door when the MANNA food truck pulled up to his two-story brick row home.

25 Jun 2018

Research finds decrease in rate of C. difficile infections in hospitals across Canada

Rates of C. difficile infections have decreased 36% in hospitals across Canada, although the virulent NAP1 strain associated with severe illness and deaths is the most common strain, according to research published in CMAJ.

25 Jun 2018

BetterYou’s new Magnesium Bone Lotion helps maximize bone health

Pioneering natural health company BetterYou has developed a scientifically magnesium chloride and calcium supplement for those who want to maximize their bone health conveniently and effectively.

From BetterYou Ltd 21 Jun 2018

Humana and Walgreens to provide easier access to primary care and other services for seniors

Leading health and well-being company Humana Inc. and Walgreens, a provider of trusted pharmacy services and care in communities since 1901, are teaming up to provide easier access to primary care and other services for seniors, as part of the companies' ongoing and shared commitment to the health and well-being of the Kansas City community.

19 Jun 2018

Study hints at benefits of lifestyle interventions in reducing dementia risk

There is no treatment yet for dementia; but one day, a family doctor could prescribe a specific diet, an exercise regime, music or language lessons, or documentary discussion groups as treatments to ward off the disease.

19 Jun 2018

That ‘living will’ you signed? At the ER, it could be open to interpretation.

"Don't resuscitate this patient; he has a living will," the nurse told Dr. Monica Williams-Murphy, handing her a document.

14 Jun 2018

He started vaping as a teen and now says habit is ‘impossible to let go’

The debate over the health risks of Juul, vaping and e-cigarettes is now spilling into the public square.

8 Jun 2018

Medicare financial outlook worsens

Medicare's financial condition has taken a turn for the worse following higher-than-expected hospital spending and reduced payroll taxes that fund the program, the federal government reported Tuesday.

5 Jun 2018

Community paramedicine program for older adults reduced number of 911 calls, improved health

A community-based health promotion program developed by McMaster University that was offered by paramedics in low-income apartment buildings significantly reduced the number of 911 calls and improved quality of life for seniors, found a randomized controlled trial published in CMAJ

28 May 2018

Now more of us can count on more time dodging the dementia bullet

You've turned 65 and exited middle age. What are the chances you'll develop cognitive impairment or dementia in the years ahead?

24 May 2018

Study: Poor older adults with Medicaid insurance more likely to die after hospital discharge

A first-of-its-kind study has found that seniors who are insured by Medicaid are less likely to survive in a nursing home after an ICU stay than seniors covered by Medicare and commercial insurance. The study was presented at the 2018 American Thoracic Society International Conference.

24 May 2018

Seniors' air pollution exposure linked to hospitalization for ARDS

In a new study, researchers found significant associations between seniors' long-term exposure to two types of air pollution and hospitalization for acute respiratory distress syndrome. The study was presented at the 2018 American Thoracic Society International Conference.

23 May 2018

When is insurance not really insurance? When you need pricey dental care.

I'm 61 years old and a San Francisco homeowner with an academic position at the University of California-Berkeley, which provides me with comprehensive health insurance. Yet, to afford the more than $50,000 in out-of-pocket expenses required for the restorative dental work I've needed in the past 20 years, I've had to rely on handouts — from my mom.

21 May 2018

Study finds increasing wealth gap between households of seniors and families with children

The wealth gap between households of seniors and those with children has ballooned since 1989, a new study finds.

18 May 2018

L.A. County unlawfully terminated thousands of Medi-Cal recipients, court rules

Los Angeles County unlawfully dropped an estimated 22,000 people from California's Medicaid program, including low-income seniors and disabled residents who couldn't get vital medications and medical care after their coverage was terminated, according to a court ruling late last week.

17 May 2018

Senior diabetic patients can save significant cost if negotiated rebates are shared at pharmacy counter

Sharing a portion of negotiated rebates at the pharmacy counter could save seniors in Medicare with diabetes more than $350 annually, according to a new analysis from IHS Markit.