Seniors

Health

Study links heavy drinking to faster Alzheimer’s onset and progression

Heidi de Marco

A new Scripps Research study highlights the link between heavy alcohol use and the acceleration of Alzheimer’s disease.
Health

Seniors gain confidence through fall prevention and safety training

Heidi de Marco

A local nonprofit is teaching seniors how to fall safely or not at all.
Science & Technology

Alzheimer's timeline shows changes start as trickle, become torrent

Jon Hamilton

A study of cells from 84 brains finds that Alzheimer's has two distinct phases, and that one type of neuron is especially vulnerable.
Education

Trick-or-treating at senior community brings two generations together

Katie Anastas

Organizers say visits from local students bring joy to the center’s residents and help teach kids about aging.
Health

The CDC now recommends that people 50 and older get vaccinated against pneumonia

Chandelis Duster

The number of people that have been diagnosed with a pneumonia-causing bacteria has increased over the past six months. Older people are at higher risk of pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia and menningitis.
Health

Advocates say new at-home COVID and flu test will help seniors' health and isolation

Heidi de Marco

The Food and Drug Administration authorized the first over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 and flu test combo test on Monday.
Health

Photos: How older adults navigate their health care needs in rural America

Tim Evans

Juliana Kim

Reporters for NPR traveled across North and South Dakota to see the challenges older adults in rural areas face when they need medical care — and to see what it's like for the people trying to help.