Health & Wellbeing

The baby boomers are longer-lived than previous generations, but they still experience similar rates of mental illness. Day clinics may be the way to address this concern. When most of us think of elderly mental-health problems, we think of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. But psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety are rife in older …

The interaction between physical and mental health has been attracting increasing attention.  People with long-term conditions are two to three times more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population. The interdependency of mental and physical health has significant implications for individual patients. Mental health problems can complicate …

People in the Blue Zones (Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Loma Linda, California and Nicoya, Costa Rica) enjoy long, healthy lives. They routinely live to be 100 and have very little lifestyle disease such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Nine reasons for their good health have been given, …

In recent years, there has been a shift away from a focus on illness alone, to more attention being placed on wellness, both in policy and health practice. “Five Ways to Well-being” is a set of five simple, evidenced-based actions which can improve wellbeing in everyday life for everyone, no …

Older people have diverse experiences of ageing. Mental health is just as important for older people as it is for younger people. Just over 7% of older adults living in the community experience mental illness and/or addiction each year. The prevalence of mental illness is estimated to be 3 – …

In Australia, retailer’s are reporting that they’ve experienced a rise in ‘spy camera’ purchases as an increasing number of resident’s families say they want to keep an eye on their older loved ones. This sale spike might have something to do with the current Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care …

As we are all aware, staying fit and healthy in old age is very important. The healthier you are, the more chance you have of avoiding certain medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. We also know that technology has come in leaps and bounds over the past two …

Recently Eldernet did a survey of residential care facilities in New Zealand and their stance on smoking. While it was not a scientifically valid survey, it did unearth some interesting points that are worth considering. Rest Homes and other Aged Residential Care facilities are unique environments where they are both …

Winter brings not only colder temperatures, but also an increase in coughs, colds, sore throats and influenza. Here are some tips to keep yourself well during the cooler months. Get the flu vaccination through your general practice team. This is free for anyone 65 or older.  Wash your hands thoroughly …

A third of people over the age of 65 fall every year and those with Dementia are even more likely to fall. Falls can cause shock, anxiety and loss of confidence, and physical damage such as fractures, bruising or head injury. This can cause the person to become isolated and …