If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life.
If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life.
About 13 percent of Americans 60 and older say they have increasing problems with thinking and memory and that they suffer growing confusion, a new report released Thursday shows.
About 13 percent of Americans 60 and older say they have increasing problems with thinking and memory and that they suffer growing confusion, a new report released Thursday shows.
With summer approaching, researchers caution that swimming pools may pose a risk to patients with irregular heartbeats who've received implantable defibrillators.
With summer approaching, researchers caution that swimming pools may pose a risk to patients with irregular heartbeats who've received implantable defibrillators.
Adding omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients to standard antioxidant vitamins doesn't give older people any added protection against a leading cause of blindness, a new study finds.
Adding omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients to standard antioxidant vitamins doesn't give older people any added protection against a leading cause of blindness, a new study finds.
Elderly pedestrians face a much higher risk of being killed in a traffic accident than the young do, a new government report finds.
Elderly pedestrians face a much higher risk of being killed in a traffic accident than the young do, a new government report finds.
Hair analysis can reveal if seniors have elevated stress hormone levels that may put them at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, a new study suggests.
Hair analysis can reveal if seniors have elevated stress hormone levels that may put them at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, a new study suggests.
As more patients undergo a minimally invasive procedure to remove kidney stones, the rate of complications from the surgery is also rising, according to a new study.
As more patients undergo a minimally invasive procedure to remove kidney stones, the rate of complications from the surgery is also rising, according to a new study.
Researchers are testing whether applying electrical stimulation directly to the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease might improve thinking, focus and alertness.
Researchers are testing whether applying electrical stimulation directly to the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease might improve thinking, focus and alertness.
Many people are still dying in hospitals, despite the fact that there has been a decrease in the number of patients who spend their final days in a setting that most would rather avoid, a new government report shows.
Many people are still dying in hospitals, despite the fact that there has been a decrease in the number of patients who spend their final days in a setting that most would rather avoid, a new government report shows.
A new formula to predict a woman's final menstrual period could help menopausal women fight bone loss and reduce their heart disease risk, a new study reports.
A new formula to predict a woman's final menstrual period could help menopausal women fight bone loss and reduce their heart disease risk, a new study reports.
Smoking, obesity and diabetes are all associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, a new study suggests.
Smoking, obesity and diabetes are all associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, a new study suggests.
The complication rate for hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to repair damage to the inside of the joint, is higher than previously thought, a new study finds.
The complication rate for hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to repair damage to the inside of the joint, is higher than previously thought, a new study finds.
Taking estrogen pills increases a menopausal woman's risk of needing gallbladder surgery to treat complications of gallstones, according to a new study.
Taking estrogen pills increases a menopausal woman's risk of needing gallbladder surgery to treat complications of gallstones, according to a new study.
There's more troubling news for America's aging population: A new report finds that one in every three seniors now dies while suffering from Alzheimer's or another form of dementia.
There's more troubling news for America's aging population: A new report finds that one in every three seniors now dies while suffering from Alzheimer's or another form of dementia.
Although most people get a total hip or knee replacement to decrease pain and move around more easily, a team of orthopedic surgeons has discovered an unexpected benefit: people enjoy sex more after surgery.
Although most people get a total hip or knee replacement to decrease pain and move around more easily, a team of orthopedic surgeons has discovered an unexpected benefit: people enjoy sex more after surgery.
In an effort to quickly develop drugs that could prevent or slow Alzheimer's, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it plans to relax the approval process for experimental medications.
In an effort to quickly develop drugs that could prevent or slow Alzheimer's, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it plans to relax the approval process for experimental medications for the memory-robbing disease.
In a very early sign of medical progress on the osteoarthritis front, scientists report they've used injections of modified genes to reduce the risk that mice will develop the painful, debilitating condition.
In a very early sign of medical progress on the osteoarthritis front, scientists report they've used injections of modified genes to reduce the risk that mice will develop the painful, debilitating condition.
Before agreeing on specific tests, procedures or treatments, rheumatologists and patients need to be aware of the top five that should be questioned.
Before agreeing on specific tests, procedures or treatments, rheumatologists and patients need to be aware of the top five that should be questioned.
Experts estimate that many tens of thousands of people in the United States die each year from medical errors, unproven treatments, bad diagnoses and preventable problems such as bedsores.
Experts estimate that many tens of thousands of people in the United States die each year from medical errors, unproven treatments, bad diagnoses and preventable problems such as bedsores.
Seniors seem to get a weaker boost to their immune system following a flu shot than young people do, a small study shows.
Seniors seem to get a weaker boost to their immune system following a flu shot than young people do, a small study shows.
When older people's mood improves, so does their brain power, new research suggests.
When older people's mood improves, so does their brain power, new research suggests.
It's no secret that your memory skills decline as you get older, making it harder for you to pick up new tasks or remember where you put your keys.
It's no secret that your memory skills decline as you get older, making it harder for you to pick up new tasks or remember where you put your keys.
Forty-eight states are now reporting widespread flu activity, up from 47 last week, and the virus is proving particularly dangerous for the elderly, U.S. health officials reported Friday.
Forty-eight states are now reporting widespread flu activity, up from 47 last week, and the virus is proving particularly dangerous for the elderly, U.S. health officials reported Friday.
Here's yet another reason to get hitched and stay hitched: New research suggests that being single during midlife appears to raise the risk for premature death.
Here's yet another reason to get hitched and stay hitched: New research suggests that being single during midlife appears to raise the risk for premature death.
Fear of falling leads about half of seniors with poor vision to limit their social activities, which puts them at risk for social isolation and disability, a new study shows.
Fear of falling leads about half of seniors with poor vision to limit their social activities, which puts them at risk for social isolation and disability, a new study shows.
Older adults are less able to spot people with untrustworthy faces, which may help explain why they're more likely to be victims of fraud, according to new research.
Older adults are less able to spot people with untrustworthy faces, which may help explain why they're more likely to be victims of fraud, according to new research.
The way people read changes as they age and helps explain why seniors have trouble reading fine print, a new study says.
The way people read changes as they age and helps explain why seniors have trouble reading fine print, a new study says.
Former President George Herbert Walker Bush, who has been struggling with bronchitis and a lingering cough, was in a Houston hospital Thursday.
Former President George Herbert Walker Bush, who has been struggling with bronchitis and a lingering cough, was in a Houston hospital Thursday.
Baby boomers' interest in health issues peaks at about age 50, wanes after that, and then peaks again near age 65, according to a new study.
Baby boomers' interest in health issues peaks at about age 50, wanes after that, and then peaks again near age 65, according to a new study.
Many nurses and other health workers at Alzheimer's care facilities feel unprepared to tell patients' family members the truth about their loved one's condition, a new study finds.
Many nurses and other health workers at Alzheimer's care facilities feel unprepared to tell patients' family members the truth about their loved one's condition, a new study finds.
Hypnosis may help reduce hot flashes in postmenopausal women, cutting down their frequency as much as 74 percent, researchers say.
Hypnosis may help reduce hot flashes in postmenopausal women, cutting down their frequency as much as 74 percent, researchers say.
Older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at greater risk for plaque formation in the carotid artery, the large artery in the neck that carries blood to the brain, according to a new study.
Older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at greater risk for plaque formation in the carotid artery, the large artery in the neck that carries blood to the brain, according to a new study.
People aged 90 and older who have difficulty with walking and other physical skills are more likely to have dementia, a new study finds.
People aged 90 and older who have difficulty with walking and other physical skills are more likely to have dementia, a new study finds.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe or not?
Is hormone replacement therapy safe or not?
New research suggests that women who take hormone replacement therapy in the early stages of menopause may have a reduced risk of heart attack, heart failure or dying.
New research suggests that women who take hormone replacement therapy in the early stages of menopause may have a reduced risk of heart attack, heart failure or dying.
Botulinum toxin, the anti-wrinkle treatment known as Botox, can also help women with urge incontinence reduce their leaking episodes, according to a new study.
Botulinum toxin, the anti-wrinkle treatment known as Botox, can also help women with urge incontinence reduce their leaking episodes, according to a new study.
The same daily, low-dose aspirin that many women take to lower their risk for heart attack may have spillover benefits on their risk for developing mental decline, suggests new research from Sweden.
The same daily, low-dose aspirin that many women take to lower their risk for heart attack may have spillover benefits on their risk for developing mental decline, suggests new research from Sweden.
The well-noted aging of the American population will continue long after the Baby Boomer generation crests, posing continuing economic challenges for the country for decades to come.
The well-noted aging of the American population will continue long after the Baby Boomer generation crests, posing continuing economic challenges for the country for decades to come.
Many U.S. seniors have trouble saving enough money to handle health care costs beyond what Medicare covers, a new study suggests.
Many U.S. seniors have trouble saving enough money to handle health care costs beyond what Medicare covers, a new study suggests.
Older women who want to keep off weight -- no small feat for many after menopause -- might consider four specific eating behaviors, according to new research.
Older women who want to keep off weight -- no small feat for many after menopause -- might consider four specific eating behaviors, according to new research.
Whether it's an email from an unknown gentleman on another continent pleading for money or a financial scammer selling a promising penny stock, the young and old tend to be more easily duped.
Whether it's an email from an unknown gentleman on another continent pleading for money or a financial scammer selling a promising penny stock, the young and old tend to be more easily duped than middle-aged people.
Having a wide circle of friends helps middle-aged men and women have a greater sense of well-being, according to new research.
Having a wide circle of friends helps middle-aged men and women have a greater sense of well-being, according to new research.
Every American born between 1945 and 1965 should be tested for the liver-destroying virus hepatitis C, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Thursday.
Every American born between 1945 and 1965 should be tested for the liver-destroying virus hepatitis C, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Thursday.
When their last or only child leaves for college, parents may have a difficult time adapting to the "empty nest" and their newfound freedom.
When their last or only child leaves for college, parents may have a difficult time adapting to the "empty nest" and their newfound freedom.
Older people who engage in balance and strength training can significantly reduce their risk of falling, a new study suggests.
Older people who engage in balance and strength training can significantly reduce their risk of falling, a new study suggests.
The number of Americans aged 45 and older with two or more chronic conditions has grown over the past decade, new research estimates, with seniors especially vulnerable.
The number of Americans aged 45 and older with two or more chronic conditions has grown over the past decade, new research estimates, with seniors especially vulnerable.
Many home aides who care for the elderly in the United States have no training and don't undergo stringent background checks or drug tests, a new study finds.
Many home aides who care for the elderly in the United States have no training and don't undergo stringent background checks or drug tests, a new study finds.
The United States faces an unprecedented number of aging baby boomers with mental health or substance use issues, a number so great it could overwhelm the existing health care system, a new report warned Tuesday.
The United States faces an unprecedented number of aging baby boomers with mental health or substance use issues, a number so great it could overwhelm the existing health care system, a new report warned Tuesday.
A daily drink combining several nutrients appears to help people with early Alzheimer's disease improve their memory, a new study suggests.
A daily drink combining several nutrients appears to help people with early Alzheimer's disease improve their memory, a new study suggests.
In the latest study to look at the effect of vitamin D on fracture risk, Swiss researchers found that taking more than 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily could reduce the risk of hip fractures.
In the latest study to look at the effect of vitamin D on fracture risk, Swiss researchers found that taking more than 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily could reduce the risk of hip fractures in older women.
A new study of seniors provides support for using "virtual" colonoscopy -- which is not currently covered by Medicare -- as a screening tool for colon cancer.
A new study of seniors provides support for using "virtual" colonoscopy -- which is not currently covered by Medicare -- as a screening tool for colon cancer.
A new study finds that one in five newly admitted nursing home patients has a fall within one month, and that higher levels of staffing with certified nursing assistants reduces the risk of patient falls.
A new study finds that one in five newly admitted nursing home patients has a fall within one month, and that higher levels of staffing with certified nursing assistants reduces the risk of patient falls.
For people with Alzheimer's disease, a stay in the hospital could lead to accelerated mental decline and increase the risk of going into a nursing home or dying, according to a new study.
For people with Alzheimer's disease, a stay in the hospital could lead to accelerated mental decline and increase the risk of going into a nursing home or dying, according to a new study.
Most older people can't walk fast enough to cross a street in the time allotted by many automated crosswalks, according to a new British study.
Most older people can't walk fast enough to cross a street in the time allotted by many automated crosswalks, according to a new British study.
Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil capsules, doesn't seem to help older people maintain their brain health, researchers report.
Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil capsules, doesn't seem to help older people maintain their brain health, researchers report.
Federal government pressure has led to an increasing number of Medicare patients being held for observation instead of being admitted to hospitals, a new study suggests.
Federal government pressure has led to an increasing number of Medicare patients being held for observation instead of being admitted to hospitals, a new study suggests.
Too little vitamin D has been linked to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Too little vitamin D has been linked to a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
People tend to exercise less as they grow older, but keeping physically active is essential for remaining healthy and independent, an expert says.
People tend to exercise less as they grow older, but keeping physically active is essential for remaining healthy and independent, an expert says.
The use of physical restraints in nursing homes can be reduced through a multi-pronged approach that includes more training and supportive materials for staff.
The use of physical restraints in nursing homes can be reduced through a multi-pronged approach that includes more training and supportive materials for staff, residents and relatives, according to a new German study.
Colonoscopies helped doctors detect a high rate of curable cancer in elderly people who had the screening for the first time, a new study indicates.
Colonoscopies helped doctors detect a high rate of curable cancer in elderly people who had the screening for the first time, a new study indicates.
