January 2013 - New Old Age at the New York Times

For Some Caregivers, the Trauma Lingers

Some caregivers struggle with intrusive thoughts and memories months and even years after a loved one has died. Read More...

Published Wed, Jan 30 2013 3:14 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: End-of-Life Care, caregiving, trauma, PTSD

For the Love of Sunny

When it came time for Sunny Harper-Owen to plan an event for her women's group, she couldn't do it. Then her female friends formed a new group -- this one to support her. Read More...

Published Mon, Jan 28 2013 10:41 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: End-of-Life Care, Alzheimer's, Sunny Harper-Owen

Time to Recognize Mild Cognitive Disorder?

Will it be helpful for health professionals using the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders -- most of them not psychiatrists, but primary care doctors -- to begin diagnosing Mild Neurocognitive Disorder? Read More...

Published Fri, Jan 25 2013 2:47 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: Medical Issues, mild cognitive impairment, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM 5, DSM IV, mild neurocognitive disorder

Grief Over New Depression Diagnosis

The DSM 5, to be published in May, has generated an unusual amount of heat. Two changes, in particular, could have considerable impact on older people and their families. Read More...

Published Thu, Jan 24 2013 3:40 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: Medical Issues, grief, depression, David Kupfer, Allen Francis, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM 5, DSM IV, American Psychiatric Assocation

Study Links Cognitive Deficits, Hearing Loss

A new study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that elderly people with compromised hearing are at risk of developing cognitive deficits -- problems with memory and thinking -- sooner than those whose hearing is intact. Read More...

Published Wed, Jan 23 2013 2:20 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: dementia, News & Research, hearing loss

The Brutal Truth of 'Amour'

It has been a few days since I left the movie theater in a bit of a daze, and I'm still thinking about "Amour." Read More...

Published Tue, Jan 22 2013 2:59 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: dementia, Arts & Culture, Amour, films

Officials Say Checks Won't Be in the Mail

Federal officials are pushing the last holdouts to convert to direct deposit of their Social Security, S.S.I., Veterans Affairs and other assistance checks by March 1. Read More...

Published Thu, Jan 17 2013 3:19 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: Finances & Legalities, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, income, S.S.I., direct deposit

In Flu Season,Use a Mask. But Which One?

Do face masks help prevent people from getting the flu? And if so, how much protection do they give? You might think the answer to this question would be well established. It's not. Read More...

Published Wed, Jan 16 2013 3:14 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: Medical Issues, flu, infectious diseases, respirators, Masks, influenza, preventive medicine

Study: More to Meal Delivery Than Food

Meals on Wheels advocates have always believed that something as fundamental as a hot meal, a greeting and another set of eyes can help keep people in their homes longer. A study says they are right. Read More...

Published Tue, Jan 15 2013 2:57 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: nursing homes, News & Research, Brown University, Meals on Wheels

Preparing for a Loved One to Die at Home

Here's what specialists say are the most common kinds of equipment and preparations you may need to make to bring your spouse, parent or other loved one home to die. Read More...

Published Mon, Jan 14 2013 10:51 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: End-of-Life Care, hospice

As Flu Rages, Caregiving Suffers

Institutions serving the elderly are struggling as nurses, home health aides and family members fall ill with the flu. Read More...

Published Fri, Jan 11 2013 3:02 PM by The New Old Age

Filed under: Health Care, caregiving, flu, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Taking a Zen Approach to Caregiving

Feeling anger or angst related to caregiving? Find help in "contemplative caregiving." Read More...

Published Fri, Jan 11 2013 3:52 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: Family Relationships, caregiving, Buddhism, elder care, Zen, emotions

Help for Planning End-of-Life Care

A new Web site helps the elderly designate a "medical decision maker" and clarify preferences for health care. Read More...

Published Thu, Jan 10 2013 3:00 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: Health Care, End-of-Life Care, advance directives

Even Fewer Geriatricians in Training

The number of doctors planning to become geriatricians has fallen again. At this point, it's likely there will never be enough of them. Read More...

Published Wed, Jan 09 2013 9:35 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: Health Care, geriatricians

Who Should Receive Organ Transplants?

A graying population and revised policies determining who gets priority for donated organs have led to a rising proportion of older adults receiving transplants. Read More...

Published Tue, Jan 08 2013 2:42 AM by The New Old Age

Filed under: Medical Issues, eldercare, Cleveland Clinic, organ transplants