July is upon us. Know what happens in July? Heat, humidity, coupled with depressing economic times, a lazy feeling. The condition is known as the summer doldrums though economic conditions are not usually one of the causes (they are this year!). Do not think the FDA or CDC are investigating what is a common summer ailment. Do you have the symptoms? Read the rest of this entry »

US Federal Reserve Chairman, Bernanke, stated in testimony to Congress yesterday, “The economy has continued to expand, but at a subdued pace,” Mr. Bernanke said at another point. In one rare note of optimism, he revised upward the Fed’s growth estimate for the year and added that consumer spending had somewhat exceeded expectations. “A shinning pebble among an expanse of rocks and no one notices, or is it denial? Read the rest of this entry »

At a time when threatened cuts in Medicare reimbursement rates could make it increasingly difficult for physicians to treat Medicare patients, many doctors are rethinking keeping Medicare patients as part of their practice. There is also a terrible scarcity of geriatricians (doctors that specialize in those over 65). Yet this is a population that deserves to remain active and independent. Read the rest of this entry »

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday. Thought you might find the following facts from the US Census Bureau on the 4th of July interesting:

The Fourth of July: On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.
2.5 million; In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation. Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970

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According to a recent survey done  by the Pew Institute, “Baby Boomers: The Gloomiest Generation”. Who knew? Pew states: Members of the large generation born from 1946 to 1964 are more downbeat about their lives than are adults who are younger or older. Read the rest of this entry »

No Sex Drive? Your Medications Might Be the Cause for the 65 Plus population, seniors, boomers and beyond

Use of certain drugs, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, chemotherapy drugs, or even beta-blockers for high blood pressure can reduce your sex drive, as can excessive amounts of alcohol. Any medication that affects your nervous system might have some detrimental effects. See information at bottom of blog. Read the rest of this entry »

Humor in Heaven, Guess a Good Laugh was needed there: Dody Goodman and George Carlin

Dody Goodman, the comedian known for her television appearances on Jack Paar’s late-night talk show and as the mother on the show “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” died Sunday at 93. Do you remember Dody? I used to watch her on Jack Paar. She had a unique voice.

George Carlin, who had a history of heart trouble, also died Sunday evening after entering a California Hospital complaining of chest pains. Read the rest of this entry »

Putting Out the Big Secret: Dispelling the myths about sex and older adults

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Myth: Older adults aren’t having sex.
Fact: The biggest fallacy is that it doesn’t happen. Yes, it does happen, and people are still interested. The interest is less. The activity is less. But it’s still there and shouldn’t be ignored. In fact, 25–55% of those 65-plus reported having sex in the past year.

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 Medicare is proposing cuts in reimbursements in the area of rehabilitation: physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Again, in my humble opinion, this is because Medicare deals with illness, disease, not prevention. I hate to belabor the point, but if done correctly, health care services geared to the over 65 crowd (reported as the highest health cost center) can actually reduce costs and improve outcomes. Read the rest of this entry »

Part 2 on Sex and the Senior, or Older Generation or Elders.  Last week I posted a shorter version of our free monthly newsletter. That was the May issue on Sex and the Senior. Here is part 2 that speaks to the medications we take for chronic conditions and how those can come into play in maintaining intimacy:

Results of a 2007 study from the University of Chicago’s National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project showed that for most people aged 57 to 85, sex is still very important. While sexual activity declined for most adults over 70, of those still active almost 50% reported at least one Read the rest of this entry »