Gerontology

Slower walking speed may predict future mobility problems

Being able to walk outside for several blocks at a leisurely pace plays an important role in living a vibrant, healthy life. Walking short distances allows you to get the physical activity you need, live independently, go shopping, … READ MORE

I wrote the book on user-friendly design. What I see today horrifies me

The world is designed against the elderly, writes Don Norman, 83-year-old author of the industry bible Design of Everyday Things and a former Apple VP. Design of Everyday Things, Don Norman. Kristian Guevara By Don Norman, Fast … READ MORE

Alberta Seniors programs and services 2019

This Guide is designed to help seniors and their families stay informed about the assistance available to seniors in our province, through programs such as the Alberta Seniors Benefit. This important program provides a monthly cash … READ MORE

How does helping people affect your brain?

Study shows neurobiological effects of providing support to others. Both younger and older participants in the Intergenerational Care Project have expressed excitement and joy at being able to interact with each other. Griffith … READ MORE

Walking frame could keep older adults active

A robotic walking frame that could help older people recover more quickly after a fall or injury, reducing the length of time they need to stay in hospital, is being developed in partnership with researchers at Northumbria University, … READ MORE

Robots as tools and partners in rehabilitation

Why trust should play a crucial part in the development of intelligent machines for medical therapies. A robot congratulates a patient for correctly sorting the colored beakers. Shelly Levy-Tzedek University of Freiburg 17 August 2018 … READ MORE

We’re on our own: Home health care workers report inadequate support from employers

Home health care work is not only physically demanding, but also emotionally taxing. Home care workers do an enormous amount of emotional labor to keep clients feeling safe, calm and happy. This work can be rewarding but also very … READ MORE

Eligibility and application for AADL benefits

Learn about eligibility requirements for Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) and how to apply for and access benefits. Cost sharing of benefits The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program helps Albertans with a long-term … READ MORE

In chronic disease care, family helpers are key, but feel left out

Physicians and policymakers should consider those family and friends who aren’t quite caregivers — but are definitely health supporters — in chronic disease care, a new study finds. Kara Gavin, Michigan Health Lab January 12, … READ MORE

We live with a cloud over our heads: Québecers say home care services fall short

Nearly 343,000 Québecers receive publicly-funded home care. Critics hope political parties commit to change. Rosalyn Williams-Ness has received home care services for the past 12 years. She says she lives with almost constant … READ MORE

The digital puppy that keeps seniors out of nursing homes

Her father—an inventor, pilot, sailor, and general Mr. Fix-It; “a genius,” Arlyn says—started experiencing bouts of paranoia in his mid-eighties, a sign of Alzheimer’s. The disease had progressed, often causing his thoughts … READ MORE

Study eyes hospitalists

The old-fashioned, family doctor style of medicine could be lifesaving for elderly hospitalized patients, a big study suggests, showing benefits over a rapidly expanding alternative that has hospital-based doctors overseeing care … READ MORE

Home neighborhood walkability motivates older people to physical activity

Walk-friendly environmental design may provide opportunities for physical activity in old age, according to a recent study conducted at the Gerontology Research Center of the University of Jyväskylä. However, it is important that … READ MORE

Knee surgery may have minimal quality of life effects in those with less severe symptoms

According to a recently published study, knee replacement surgery had a minimal effect on quality of life for patients with osteoarthritis and was not cost-effective. Forest walk. Roger Bates photo, flickr Marni Goldstein, The Mount … READ MORE

Biomarkers after ACL surgery may signal severity of osteoarthritis later in life

A majority of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction patients develop a condition known as post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) within 15 years of surgery, which can be debilitating and limit activity. 5 sports which can help … READ MORE

Aquatic resistance training improves physcial function in women with mild knee osteoarthritis

Aquatic resistance training significantly decreases body fat mass and increases walking speed, (i.e., phsyical function) in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis. Aquatic exercise has been shown to decrease pain and … READ MORE

Leisure-time physical activity improves cartilage health and quality of life for women with knee OA

Higher leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) level promotes cartilage health in postmenopausal women with mild knee osteoarthritis (OA). This was observed in a study carried out in the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at … READ MORE

Mark Pickup challenged AADL policy to get a replacement power chair

Mark Pickup is a gifted writer who chooses words thoughtfully, methodically and philosophically. So it’s no big surprise to hear the phrase he used to describe his experience last week. I have been disabled with aggressive multiple … READ MORE

Reducing frustration with health care for adults with chronic medical conditions

Navigating the U.S. health care system can be frustrating for anyone, but for adults with chronic medical conditions, the frustration can become overwhelming as they juggle multiple providers, medications and treatments. A pain point … READ MORE

Elderly people who choose the wrong shoes have a lower quality of life

83% wear the wrong shoes. As people get older, they experience changes in their foot morphology. If they do not change their shoe size along with these transformations, older people – most of whom choose the wrong shoes – suffer, … READ MORE

Can staying active help prevent chronic pain?

Physical activity affects pain modulation in older adults. A 2015 study examined physical activity data from 15 European countries and concluded that high levels of activity were associated with higher levels of happiness. Bluearth … READ MORE

Digital toolkit aims to prevent falls amongst the elderly

The Falls Risk Assessment Toolkit identifies patients at risk of falls and, potentially unplanned hospital admissions, and is available to all UK healthcare professionals to implement a review of patients at risk of potentially … READ MORE

Older adults who exercise regularly can reduce risk of severe mobility problems

Nearly one in four adults aged 65 and older has trouble walking or climbing stairs—and 3.4 million older adults have trouble taking care of their personal needs, such as dressing or bathing. As we age, these difficulties can impact … READ MORE

Chair yoga helps older adults manage osteoarthritis pain

Chair yoga may produce sustained improvements in pain interference among older adults with lower extremity osteoarthritis, according to a study published December 23 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Doctor’s … READ MORE

Ontario’s ambitious Patients First legislation met with hope and skepticism

Carole Ann Alloway’s husband, Bill, had seven ankle surgeries due to recurring infections that were eventually found to be caused by bacteria on the hardware that had been inserted 30 years ago. Elderly’s family caregivers need … READ MORE

AFO users must rethink concept of ‘normal’ gait

Ankle foot orthoses can make a neuromuscular patient’s gait pattern more like that of an unaffected person, but the devices can also be associated with compensations of their own. And in some patients, a more ‘normal’ gait … READ MORE

Bracing for the falls of an aging nation

As the population ages and people live longer in bad shape, the number of older Americans who fall and suffer serious, even fatal, injuries is soaring. Read Part 2. Mrs. Hammer remains independent after her fall, and is now more … READ MORE

Alberta seniors programs and services guide 2014–2015

Published by Alberta Health, July 2014 Alberta Supports Contact Centre Toll-free anywhere in Alberta: 1-877-644-9992 Edmonton: 780-644-9992 See Health services – page 20 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan – page 20 … READ MORE

Apply for AADL benefits

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic or terminal illness to pay for basic medical equipment and supplies. Services and information Approved vendors list Authorizers and vendors Find … READ MORE

AADL Authorizer and vendor information

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) assists Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness, in maintaining independence in their community. AADL provides funding for basic medical equipment and supplies to … READ MORE

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