More than 50 million Americans have arthritis, with the number expected to increase as the population ages and lives longer. As the body ages, joints can ache or deteriorate due to a variety of factors, including stiffening of the cartilage in the joint, a loss of cartilage, loss of bone density or bone mass, arthritis and wear and tear from years of use. 

How to Protect Joints as You Age

Osteoporosis and osteopenia both affect bone health and density but are distinct. Between the two conditions, more than 50 million Americans are affected. Here is what to know about each condition, including their differences, risk factors and how they affect bone density. 

Osteoporosis vs. Osteopenia: Knowing the Difference 

Learn about exercise frequency and duration recommendations to keep you healthy as you age through the decades.

A woman stops and stands on her bike as she smiles at the camera

Exercise Frequency and Duration to Keep You Healthy as You Age

Dementia is most common in people older than 65. There are many different causes of dementia, some of which are diseases and some of which are injuries.

Is Dementia Hereditary?

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that causes blurred or loss of central vision.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Falls account for 3 million emergency department visits and 1 million hospitalizations in the United States each year. 

What are Risk Factors for Falling As You Age?

The progressive disease slowly destroys memory, thinking skills and the ability to perform simple tasks.

Doctor, I’m Concerned About Alzheimer’s Disease, What Can You Tell Me?

As a cataract gets worse, the eye has a harder time focusing. Your lens may cloud so slowly that you don`t notice any vision changes at first. In early stages, glasses may help you see better. As the lens gets cloudier, your healthcare provider may advise surgery to restore your vision. 

Cataract Surgery: When Is It Time to Have it and How Quick is Recovery?  

During Medicare open enrollment, the period from October 15 to December 7, Medicare beneficiaries may switch, drop or add new benefits without penalty.

Medicare Open Enrollment Tips for Seniors: Find a Plan that Fits Your Needs

Loneliness, like stress, can have a harmful impact on our bodies. A feeling of loneliness is correlated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, an increased risk of suicide, heart disease, dementia and stroke.

How an Active Social Life Can Help You Live Longer

Different forms of racism can have a traumatizing effect on the mental health of older people of color, often shaping the way they interact with others as they age. In honor of Minority Mental Health Month, here's how everyone can show support. 

The State of Mental Health for Seniors in Diverse Communities

The New West Willow Neighborhood Association and its intergenerational programming has not only eased tension among seniors and young people in that Ypsilanti neighborhood, it's united them and sparked growth in their community.

Ypsilanti's New West Willow Neighborhood Association Launches Breakthrough Intergenerational Programs That Lead to Renovation of West Willow Park

Incontinence, the risk for falls and getting enough exercise become bigger issues as we age. BCBSM is ready to help guide you on your path to healthy aging, with tips and resources on how to navigate these important topics.

Age Happens: Here’s What You Can Start Doing Today to Improve Your Health for the Future

The first step in mitigating bladder issues is becoming more educated on the signs and symptoms of common urologic problems. Here are tips to promote good bladder health.

How Bladder Needs Change for Women as They Age

Learn the importance of safely and intentionally incorporating daily physical activity into seniors’ lives.

Physical Activity and Older Adults

Speaking with an aging adult about their struggles on the road can lead to an emotionally charged conversation. The best thing a person can do is listen, validate their loved one’s concerns and plan to positively address negative emotions.

Older Driver Safety: When It’s Time to Stop Driving

Educating Michigan’s vast Arab American community on Alzheimer's and dementia is critical to helping them extend their own lives. The Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter made a huge hire that is helping to do just that.

Arab American Dementia Outreach Program Helps Michigan’s Middle Eastern Community Shatter the Stigma Associated with Seeking Dementia Care

If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, communication may become a significant barrier. That’s because dementia is a progressive brain disorder that gets worse over time, affecting a person’s memory, communication, language and ability to make decisions. Here are some tips to overcome common communication challenges. 

How to Talk to Someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes affect roughly 60% of Americans. You can make lifestyle tweaks and take preventive measures to either stave these conditions off or curb their impact. 

What You Can Do to Help Prevent Chronic Conditions  

Did you know that gentle exercise can lessen the impact of some complications associated with dementia? All you need is a chair and some supportive shoes for these 10 exercises.

10 Seated Exercises for People with Dementia

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been linked to good heart health, but did you know they can benefit your brain, as well? Here's a list of those benefits and foods you can eat to increase your omega-3 fatty acid intake.

Essential for the Aging Brain: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Have you heard of the term "intergenerational relationship?' When people of all ages spend time together and learning from one another, the mental, physical and emotional benefits start to pile up.

Little boy spending autumn day hiking with his grandfather

How Kids and Seniors Can Keep Each Other Healthy

You may be surprised to learn that Alzheimer's disease affects more than just older adults, and that the disease can in fact be deadly. Here are a few other common myths debunked. 

Top 5 Myths About Alzheimer’s Disease

Growing older is a gift you should celebrate. A positive self-perception of aging may lead to healthy behaviors and higher well-being.

Celebrate Your Age

It's important for older adults to regularly visit their primary care physician for many reasons. PCPs are there to provide the comfort and stability you need in the long run.

What are the Benefits of a PCP for Older Adults?

One of the many benefits of intergenerational connections is the wisdom older adults pass on to younger generations. Here's how a Michigan librarian is trying to foster more intergenerational relationships in her community.

The Importance of Intergenerational Relationships 

Keeping the mind active and engaged can go a long way in maintaining cognitive abilities. Here is a list of brain exercises that can keep you mentally sharp. 

Brain Exercises for Alzheimer's and Dementia

A healthy brain means good memory, ample creativity, and strong problem-solving skills. The MIND Diet is designed to help you perform those functions well for a long time. 

The MIND Diet for Dementia: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Older adults in Washtenaw County can depend on Ypsi Senior Center Fitness Instructor Mark Harris to help them improve their strength, flexibility, balance and more. 

Ypsilanti Senior Center Fitness Program Helps Older Adults Achieve a Greater Quality of Life  

 Self-care is important for caregivers. Here are some tips to avoid burnout and protect your well-being.

Tips for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

Like social networking and banking, the health care industry is utilizing online tools to give members an opportunity to manage their health care and receive wellness guidance in a quick, convenient way. 

Doctor and senior patient using digital tablet in clinic.

Digital Health Care Tools: Tips for Seniors

Shawn Walkiewicz's father didn't suffer from memory loss. He had corticobasal syndrome, a specific subtype of frontotemporal dementia that leads to an inability to control body movements.

Knowing the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Frontotemporal Dementia 

More than 15 million seniors live alone. That's why maintaining relationships with friends and family members is crucial. Here are tips to stay engaged as a senior. 

How to Stay Social as a Senior

Seniors in the Port Huron area have been so thrilled at their increased access to YMCA fitness classes that impromptu dance sessions are breaking out at the end of Enhance Fitness classes. 

Blue Water Area YMCA Promoting Physical Fitness, Decreasing Social Isolation Among Older Adults in Michigan’s Thumb

Free and low-cost health care for those in need, mental health professionals available when you get an annual physical and new doctor’s offices for seniors –these are just a few of the ways Michiganders benefitted from programs supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan this year – member or not.

4 Ways Health Care Became Easier for Michiganders to Access in 2022

Aging in place takes planning, modifications and assistance – and for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be more difficult. 

Helping Someone with Alzheimer’s Age in Place

Caregiving for a loved one often means you are managing their medications. This is the case for 70% of caregivers, according to a recent poll.  

Adult woman helps older mother fill out her pill sorter box

How to Manage Medications for a Loved One 

More than 50 million people worldwide have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Here's how you can show support to your friends and family.

Elderly woman and daughter in the needle crafts occupational therapy for Alzheimer’s or dementia

What You Need to Know About Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia

Ninety-three percent of peer-reviewed research papers into the effects of pandemic isolation on individuals with dementia reported new or worsened symptoms.

A mother stands with her daughter, visiting senior parents but observing social distancing with a glass door between them. The granddaughter puts her hand up to the glass, the grandfather and grandmother doing the same. A small connection in a time of separation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pandemic Isolation Worsened Alzheimer’s and Dementia for Many

Olivia Fielder spends her workdays talking to seniors. Over the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the tone of the conversations. “The depression has gone through the roof,” she said. “They’re so lonely and they’re getting so depressed.”...

Social Worker Sees Uptick in Seniors Battling Depression; Receives Award for Outreach Work 

The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, but in many cases, it’s been especially difficult for seniors....

Caring for Seniors During COVID-19

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