Blog

Throughout my career as a clinician, I have seen firsthand the concerns and challenges that cognitive issues give older adults. They fear they’ll lose their memory, their independence, and become a burden to their loved ones. The questions they ask most often are if their “forgetfulness” is just natural aging, or if they’re developing a form of dementia. They are often scared of the answer because they think there is little they can do about it.  

Diabetes does not discriminate with age. Though adults aged 45–64 receive the majority of new diabetes diagnoses in the U.S., the country has also seen increases in disease prevalence among those 18-44. Most people who develop diabetes as adults develop type 2 diabetes. Even more concerning is that nearly 90% of those who have prediabetes, and thus have an increased risk of developing the disease, aren’t aware they have it. 

October is National Health Literacy Month, which encourages health care professionals to build bridges between organizations and individuals who need health care or services to create a more equitable world where everyone can access high-quality care and achieve positive health outcomes. 

As a clinician dedicated to helping adults age in their homes, I've witnessed firsthand the pivotal role that proactive health management plays in maintaining a high quality of life. Aging gracefully is not just about adding years to your life, but also ensuring those years are vibrant and fulfilling — spent out of the hospital with as much independence and autonomy as possible. 

Taking the time to care for one’s mental health is vital at every stage of life. But as people age they often spend more time at home – many times, alone – so prioritizing mental health becomes even more critical.