By Serena Crawford Republished from medicine.yale.edu April 2026 – Brienne Miner, MD, MHS, assistant professor of medicine (geriatrics), first became interested in sleep when she noticed the prevalence of sleep problems among her older patients, and the detrimental impact of sleep deprivation. Now, her passion lies in developing strategies to improve sleep—which can lead to better […]

February 2026 – A new study published in the journal The Lancet found that just an extra 5 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day could help prevent as much as 10% of deaths. Adding 5-minute exercise may lower number of deaths by 6% For this study, researchers analyzed health data from previous studies, encompassing more than […]

January 2026 – Dizziness is a common complaint that should be reviewed by your Health Care Provider. Chronic Dizziness is described in the literature as Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness1, but older adults often describe this as “unsteadiness” and it is reported to occur in 30-50% of adults over 402. Diagnostic criteria include: This symptom of Persistent […]

November 2025 – Maintaining strength and mobility is essential for older adults to maintain independence and quality of life. Two key factors in this equation are adequate protein intake and bone health, both of which are closely related. Protein plays a crucial role in building and repairing muscle tissue. As we age, the body’s ability […]

October 2025 – A new study published in JAMA Network Open finds people who walk a lot have less back pain than people who do not walk much – and the volume is what matters most, not the intensity. Low back pain (LBP) affects people of all ages and is the leading cause of functional […]

September 2025 – Have you ever felt dizzy, lightheaded, or as if the room were spinning around you? It could be a sign of a balance problem. Many older adults experience problems with balance and dizziness. Problems can be caused by certain medications, balance disorders, or other medical conditions. Balance problems are one reason older […]

August 2025 – Every medication decision is a mobility decision! As pharmacists, we often see unintended consequences of well-meaning prescriptions. One concerning pattern involves gabapentin timing that can undermine physical therapy outcomes—precisely when patients need cognitive abilities most for motor learning. The Hidden Cognitive Impact Recent research reveals gabapentin creates measurable deficits in memory, executive […]

July 2025 – Almost anyone, at any age, can do some type of physical activity, even with a chronic condition. In fact, older adults with chronic conditions can benefit from physical activity. […] Below, you’ll find physical activity guidance for people with certain chronic conditions. [Edit: Always speak with your healthcare provider about what they recommend […]

May 2025 – Keeping older adults active improves many chronic conditions, helps them do what matters most and reduces isolation which is associated with cognitive decline. An older adult supported by someone that cares and has access to resources makes a big difference. As listed below, caregivers can find assistance through various organizations and services. […]