Mayo Clinic Aging Forward

As you've gotten older, you might notice that your sleep has changed — maybe it's the amount of sleep, the quality of your sleep or even your ability to fall asleep. But why does this happen? On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Melissa Bogin talks about why your sleep is getting worse, what everyday medications may be hurting your sleep and what you can do to help reclaim your nights. Sign up&nb...

As we age and develop multiple medical conditions, our medication lists often grow longer. But well-intentioned prescriptions can add up, affecting quality of life — and even causing harm. On this episode of Aging Forward, Bonnie Sohn, M.D., discusses the complications of prescription cascades, the art of deprescribing, and how to work with your healthcare team to reduce your medication burden. Si...

Around 7.4 million Americans are living with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia — and as the population ages, that number is expected to rise. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Heather Snyder of the Alzheimer’s Association joins us to discuss the latest advances in Alzheimer’s science, what we know about prevention, and how we can all take steps toward better brain health as we age....

Technology has allowed us to stay connected more than ever — so why are so many older adults lonelier than ever? On this episode of Aging Forward, tech expert Scott Lien explains how technology designed by young people for young people can leave older adults behind. He highlights exciting new technologies that help seniors stay independent longer, how to stay safe from scams and when the old-fashi...

GLP-1 medications are transforming weight loss — but what do they mean for healthy aging? In this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Andres Acosta breaks down the difference between a “hungry gut” and a “hungry brain,” explores the potential risks of weight loss later in life, and shares what the future may hold for GLP-1s. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podc...

How can you tell whether changes in your vision are a normal part of aging or a sign that something’s wrong? On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. John J. Chen breaks it down. He explains what floaters are, how eye care technology has advanced over the years, and how treating cataracts can offer a new lease on life. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcast...

Did you know aging is responsible for only a fraction of the health challenges people face before age 90? On this episode, Sir Muir Gray — an authority on healthcare systems and longtime NHS leader — shares the five “S’s” of physical health, explains why health systems often function more like “disease services,” and breaks down his formula for the elixir of life. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Pre...

As more Americans age, many face an important question: Where will they choose to grow older? Aging at home can come with risks — but it can also offer comfort, independence, and even help reduce hospitalizations and delay the need for nursing home care. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Sarah Nosal explains how staying in a familiar environment can support not only daily function, but also em...

About 1 in 10 older U.S. adults experiences some form of abuse or neglect — an issue that’s often hidden in plain sight. Why do these situations happen, and how can our social support systems fall short? On this episode of Aging Forward, lawyer and elder justice expert M.T. Connolly discusses where and how elder abuse can occur, why society often focuses on preventing aging instead of supporting p...

Chronic illnesses don’t always happen one at a time. They often cluster together — leaving older adults juggling medications, appointments and physical limitations in their day-to-day lives. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Brent Smith breaks down how we can age well when life feels medically complex. He explains why he recommends an annual medication review, the potential advantages of depre...

About 1 in 4 adults experience some form of arthritis. But when is joint pain a normal part of aging, and when is it something that warrants further evaluation — or may even be reversible? On this episode of Aging Forward, rheumatologist Dr. Elena Myasoedova discusses three major types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and crystalline arthritis. She explains the difference between...

As we get older, many people notice changes in pelvic floor function, which can show up as urinary leakage or difficulty controlling the bladder. In this episode of Aging Forward, John Occhino, M.D., explains why these issues are common, but not an inevitable part of aging. He discusses pelvic floor disorders, reviews nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, and explains how to perform Kegel ex...

What happens when testosterone levels decline with age? And how can you tell the difference between signs of typical aging and true testosterone deficiency? On this episode of Aging Forward, endocrinologist Dr. C. Scott Collins discusses the symptoms of low testosterone, the connection between sleep apnea and low testosterone, and why testosterone plays an important role beyond sexual function. Fi...

So you have diabetes. Now what? In this episode of Aging Forward — part two of our series on diabetes — registered dietitian Laura Knudsen returns to discuss eating patterns for nutrition and weight loss, and how to decide whether GLP-1 medications are right for you. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.  Do you have feedback, questions or t...

Diabetes and prediabetes are increasingly common among older adults, with nearly one-third affected by diabetes and about half living with prediabetes. This episode of Aging Forward features registered dietitian Laura Knudsen, who shares evidence-based strategies for managing diabetes through nutrition, weight loss, regular physical activity, and long-term lifestyle changes. She explains how susta...

Today we're highlighting another one of Mayo Clinic's podcasts, Mayo Clinic Talks. On this special episode feature, Aging Forward host Dr. Christina Chen discusses Alzheimer's disease and its effect on family dynamics. Nearly six million people in the United States age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s Disease; of these about 80% are 75 years old and older. It is a devastating disease, not only for th...

When we talk about health, we usually think about physical well-being: scheduling regular checkups and staying fit through exercise. We may also consider mental health and self-care. But how often do we think about spiritual health? On this episode of Aging Forward, the Rev. BJ Larson discusses her work as a chaplain, the role of spirituality in aging well, and what people most want to hear at the...

How is physical therapy just for athletes? On this episode of Aging Forward, physical therapist Josh Millitzer says older adults are athletes too — their sport is staying strong to maintain function and independence. He discusses early warning signs of physical decline, the risks of the “slippery slope of aging,” and how we can stop — and even reverse — decline through targeted interventions and h...

On this very personal episode of Aging Forward, Kathy Anderson shares her experience caring for her mother, Ronnie, who lives with dementia. From the first signs of her mother’s decline to the ways the two make the most of each day, Kathy offers insights and hope for anyone on a similar path. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Have feedba...

Women typically live 5 to 6 years longer than men. But that extra time isn’t necessarily spent in good health — on average, women spend the last decade of their lives dealing with a cascade of health issues. On this episode of Aging Forward, Maddy Dychtwald shares tips for making the most of those later years. She distinguishes between age accelerants and decelerants, and suggests exercises and ha...

Joints are more than just bone meeting bone. They’re made up of the support structures around them: cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles — and even the fluid in between. As we age, wear and tear, stiffness and pain can prevent joints from working the way they used to. In this episode of Aging Forward, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Pamela Mehta talks shoulders, knees and toes. She breaks down how diet a...

When we or our loved ones are no longer able to care for ourselves independently, what do our options for medical care look like? While 98% of people would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age, changing health needs mean that’s not always possible. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Jeffrey Kang makes the case for home health care. He breaks down how we can bring 90% of primary care in...

The Alzheimer's Association estimates there's about 6.9 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease. And that number— without a more potent intervention— is expected to double every 20 years. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford talks how to spot the difference between normal aging memory loss and initial signs of dementia, risk factors for the disease, and his new bo...

1 in 2 older adults are at risk for malnutrition. While our physiology is changing, so are the body's nutritional needs; changing tastes, comorbidities, and financial insecurity can also play a role. So how can we optimize good nutrition as we get older, in order to fuel longevity? On this episode of Aging Forward, dietician Tara Schmidt talks how dietary needs change post-menopause, the decline o...

Every year there are about 13.2 million hospitalizations for adults 65 years and older in the United States. Hospitalizations save lives, but there are many things that occur during the stay — and other hidden risks that can impact outcomes — especially for the older adult. On this episode of Aging Forward, hospitalist Dr. Allyson Palmer breaks down the hidden dangers of staying in the hospital, t...