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Wheelchairs, motorized scooters and other mobility aids have improved the lives of seniors who suffer from mobility challenges. These pieces of equipment can be used to navigate in and around homes, and many can even be used outdoors to get around shopping centers, parks and city streets. In order to effectively use mobility aids like wheelchairs, ramps are often necessary. Ramps provide access to inclines where stairs are typically used. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that certain structures include ramps constructed to specific…

Your face is often the first thing people notice about you when meeting you in person. Although things like skincare products and makeup can change the appearance of the face, the structure and feature placement generally can’t be changed through natural means. Once someone goes through puberty, the way the face is laid out and proportioned tends to remain static through their younger years. As men and women age, certain facial features can begin to change as skin loses elasticity, but structural features of the…

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes fat, breast tissue, and excess skin from large breasts to relieve symptoms like pain, discomfort, or disability. In some cases, this procedure is strictly for cosmetic purposes, but in others, it may be medically necessary to improve quality of life.  If your health care provider has suggested that you get breast reduction surgery, you may have coverage through your Medicare insurance if you’re eligible. Here’s a look at when Medicare covers these types…

Being overweight or obese can become a serious health issue at any age. For those who are older, untreated obesity may reduce mobility, threaten independence, and quality of life. It can also lead to serious health issues such as:  Type two diabetes Hypertension Certain forms of cancer  Heart disease Stroke High cholesterol levels Gallbladder disease Fatty liver Breathing problems including sleep apnea Osteoarthritis  Chronic back pain  If you have a substantial amount of weight to lose, it can be a daunting task if you go…

If you have asthma, you may experience symptoms like tightness in your chest, coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing. Although these conditions can be symptomatic of many ailments, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains a distinctive pattern for asthma. People with asthma may have symptoms that come and go over time, begin or worsen with a virus, or heighten in the morning or at nighttime.  Eosinophilic asthma There are different types of asthma. Allergic asthma may be linked to a family history of allergies…

Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) often gets a bad reputation due to its depiction in movies and television shows, ECT is actually still used today as an effective treatment for a range of mental health ailments. ECT is sometimes administered in cases of severe mood and psychiatric disorders. Severe depression is just one example of a mental condition that may benefit from ECT. Seniors who suffer from mania or catatonic state disorders may also benefit from ECT. How does ECT work? In virtually all cases, ECT…

Everyone wants to have healthy clear skin, but in reality, no one has perfect skin. Freckles, blemishes, wrinkles – all of these features can affect the way skin looks and feels. For the most part, these features are benign. Moles, however, can be a sign of a more serious condition like skin cancer. Seniors are encouraged to check for new moles on a regular basis. Most moles are benign, but if a mole changes color, has irregular borders or is painful or bleeding, you’re encouraged…

Asthma is a chronic condition that makes breathing difficult, causing inflammation and narrowing the airways in your lungs. Asthma can be an affliction at any age, often beginning during early childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7.8% of adults 65 and over have this long-term condition. Symptoms and treatment If you have asthma, you may experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Asthma symptoms usually follow a specific pattern. Symptoms stop and start throughout the day. They worsen…

Pilates is an exercise program designed to build muscle strength, increase flexibility and improve coordination with a focus on the core. The fitness approach is the namesake of Joseph Pilates, who introduced the routine in the U.S. in the 1920s. What was then a unique method of conditioning grew in popularity among fitness enthusiasts, including celebrities and athletes. If you are a Medicare beneficiary interested in Pilates and other forms of exercise, you may be looking for a Medicare plan that covers the cost of…

The ability to safely and comfortably get around plays a big part in your quality of life. It’s fairly easy to take mobility for granted, but when a health concern begins to affect your ability to walk, run or even stand, it can become impossible to ignore. Seniors are the largest demographic of Americans to face mobility challenges. This leaves many individuals unable to enjoy the things they used to do. Even getting around your home can be difficult when you suffer from mobility challenges….