I was walking down the sidewalk a few weeks ago when I noticed that my right foot was hurting a little with each step. I first thought about neuropathy — a disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral (farthest from the brain) nerves, typically causing numbness, pain, or weakness especially in the feet and hands. It is often a chief reason for falls and common especially in people over 65. But I thought it might just be old shoes and I decided to throw them out. It seems to be better. Maybe it highlights the importance of good footwear.
But that encouraged me to buy a book about neuropathy, and I’ve learned that despite how common it is, it’s not well understood by the general public. It has numerous causes: diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, exposure to toxins, vitamin deficiencies, alcohol and tobacco use, and certain medications. And it also can manifest itself in ways besides foot pain and numbness. Roughly, 1/3 of adults over age 70 have some form of neuropathy. It really ought to get more attention even if it doesn’t result in a fall.
Worldwide trend of more people over 65 accelerates
1. The percentage of a nation’s population over 65 has grown rapidly. And the trend appears to be accelerating. Currently, Japan is the world’s leader with 30% of their population over 65. But by 2100 China and South Korea are projected to have over 45% of their people to be aged 65 or more. The trend is worldwide, especially in industrialized nations. See the list here.
Home health care aides now the most common job in 10 states
2. Home health care aide is now the most common job in 10 states. Up from none in 1998. Not all are caring for seniors, but a majority are. That’s CA, NJ, NY, NM, PA, WA, WI, ME, MN, MD. Over 1.4M workers across the US. That’s a lot of workers.
Four causes of balance problems in adults over 50
3. Full article from AARP here.
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus
NPH is more commonly seen in people 60 and older, but it’s rare, affecting about 800,000 older Americans. Trouble with balance and walking are the main symptoms, followed by difficulties with bladder control and cognitive struggles that mimic dementia. - Orthostatic hypotension
It affects about 1 in 5 people over 60 and comes about with a quick blood pressure drop upon standing. It can be a side effect of certain medications given for high blood pressure, depression or pain. It can also occur in people who are dehydrated, severely anemic or out of shape. - Peripheral neuropathy
Affecting between 3-8% of people over 55. “There may be a hundred or more different causes of peripheral neuropathy, diabetes being the most common. It leads to sensory loss and discomfort — not sensing your feet well on the floor. - Silent strokes
A silent stroke can cause brain damage without any obvious symptoms. Silent strokes affect 3-8% of people in their 50s, with rates rising to as high as 15 to 40% of people over 80.
Assistive Furniture Market to Reach $10B by 2034
4. Assistive furniture, including adjustable beds, lift chairs, mobility scooters, and ergonomic seating, enhances accessibility, independence, and comfort for individuals with mobility challenges, making it essential in healthcare, residential, and institutional settings. The healthcare sector dominates the market due to the critical need for assistive furniture in patient care, while the residential segment is growing rapidly as individuals prioritize aging-in-place solutions.
Accessory dwelling units- An introductory brief from the VA Housing Commission
5. Full report here.ADUs increase housing stock in neighborhoods previously limited to standalone single-family homes and provide lower cost options for renters in that area compared to traditional single-family homes. Many believe increasing stock may eventually lead to more affordable homes.
And discover how ADUs facilitate aging in place for seniors while fostering multi-generational living in the main home. See article here.
Five Eco-Friendly Home Improvements to Improve Mobility for Seniors
6. We have all seen how rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns affect even the way we build. It is becoming clear that eco-conscious living is no longer a niche idea, especially among older adults
- Install Eco-Friendly Elevators
- Put In Non-Toxic, Slip-Resistant Flooring
- Motion-Activated with Low-Energy Lighting
- Setup Low-Threshold Entryways and Door Widening
- Walk-In Showers with Water-Saving Fixtures
Full article here.
Paying family members to be caregivers
7. MA Senate Bill 914 would allow spouses to be paid as caregivers under Medicaid. With over 780,000 Massachusetts residents providing unpaid care, often at great personal and financial cost, this bill offers a practical solution. Paying family members, especially spouses, as caregivers helps older adults remain at home, where they overwhelmingly prefer to be, while also providing modest income to caregivers and easing financial strain. It reduces reliance on costly institutional care, with self-directed care averaging just $1,774 per month compared to $6,175 for a semi-private nursing home room. Several other states have already expanded Medicaid rules to allow more family members to be paid caregivers, and Massachusetts should follow their lead. Read article here.
You don’t have to do 10,000 steps a day.
8. “Although 10,000 steps per day, an unofficial target for decades without a clear evidence base, was associated with substantially lower risks for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease incidence, cancer mortality, dementia, and depressive symptoms than 7,000 steps per day, the incremental improvement beyond 7,000 steps per day was small, and there was no statistical difference between 7,000 steps per day and a higher step count for all the other outcomes,” investigators wrote in Lancet Public Health.
“Therefore, 7,000 steps per day might be a more realistic and achievable recommendation for some, but 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active.” Full report from MedPage here.
11 Home Renovations to Safely Age in Place
9. From minor renovations to major remodels, consider these 11 updates to continue living at home. These changes range from minor, inexpensive renovations to major, costly remodels. While putting off these projects for as long as possible may be tempting, getting a head start can help make the transformation more affordable and less overwhelming. See all 11 here.
Building Social Connections to Improve the Health of Older Adults
10. Geriatrician Thomas Cudjoe studies social isolation and its effects on older adults, devoting his clinical practice and research time to improving their quality of life. His research examines older adults’ social connections and how isolation can harm their well-being and health outcomes, from functional limitations to cognitive status.
He and his team found that 1 in 4 community-dwelling older adults are socially isolated. Addressing this isolation, he says, has the potential to protect people from physical and cognitive health issues. See article here.