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Should my elderly mother switch to a geriatrician?

DEAR DOCTOR K: My mother has been going to the same doctor for decades. Now that she is 80, should she switch to a geriatrician? DEAR READER: There's a lot to be said for a doctor-patient relationship...

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How can I improve or maintain my mobility as I age?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm in my 80s. I recently stopped driving, and now I can get around independently only by walking. Can you tell me how to improve, or at least maintain, my mobility? DEAR READER:...

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Do I need an annual physical if I’m in good health?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm 73 and in great health. Do I really need to have an annual physical? DEAR READER: Let's start by defining "great health." I would define it as having no known chronic (ongoing)...

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How do I remain motivated to keep up a healthy lifestyle?

DEAR DOCTOR K: Eat right. Don't smoke. Stay active. Can you give me some motivation to keep up these healthy behaviors? DEAR READER: I think I get your message. This column frequently presents...

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How do I stay healthy as I age?

DEAR DOCTOR K: Can you boil down all of the health advice out there? What do I need to do to age successfully? DEAR READER: Wow, that's a tall order. Thirty years ago, when I heard people talk about...

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How can I make a smooth transition into retirement?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm thinking of retiring, but I've always had a very busy and fulfilling career. How will I make the transition to retirement? Or should I continue working until I no longer can? DEAR...

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Can osteoporosis medications cause bone fractures?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm taking a pill for osteoporosis because my doctor says that stronger bones will reduce my risk of fractures. But a friend recently told me that some osteoporosis medicines actually...

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What is it about exercising that promotes good health?

DEAR DOCTOR K: You frequently write that exercising regularly may be the best thing you can do to improve your health. I don't doubt that's true. But have scientists figured out what it is about...

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Why is it so important we stay hydrated?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm in my 80s. At my last checkup, my doctor emphasized how important it is to stay hydrated. Can you explain why? DEAR READER: Drinking fluids is crucial to staying healthy and...

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How can I stay as active as possible as I get older?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm in my 80s, and I've lost some mobility over the years. How can I continue to stay as active as possible? DEAR READER: Most of us take for granted the stamina, strength, balance,...

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Can brain stimulation devices help improve memory and thinking?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I saw an ad for something called a "tDCS brain-stimulating device." It supposedly helps improve memory and thinking. Is it worth a try? DEAR READER: Transcranial direct current...

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What can we do to ease my mother’s transition to assisted living?

DEAR DOCTOR K: We've finally convinced my mother to move to an assisted living facility. After spending the past five decades in her current house, she is very nervous about the move. What can we, and...

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Should I change my foot care routine as I get older?

DEAR DOCTOR K: As I've entered my 60s, I've noticed that my toenails are thicker and the skin on my feet is drier. Should I change my foot care routine? DEAR READER: Just like the rest of your body,...

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What is executive function?

DEAR DOCTOR K: An aging friend was told he has problems with "executive function." So, of course, I'm wondering what that is, if I also could have that problem, and what can be done about it. Could you...

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Can growth hormone help fight the effects of aging?

DEAR DOCTOR K: A friend of mine who is in her 70s is getting growth hormone shots. She says it fights aging. I'm dubious that anything can fight aging and worry about side effects. Am I just...

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Are there any natural remedies for hot flashes?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm afraid to take hormone therapy for my menopausal hot flashes. Are there any natural remedies that work? DEAR READER: Natural remedies can help for hot flashes, but hormone therapy is...

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How can I tell if my complaints are a consequence of aging or an actual problem?

DEAR DOCTOR K: Every time I complain about a new medical issue, my husband says, "You're 84. What do you expect?" How do I know if my complaints are just a consequence of aging or if there's an actual...

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What can I do to improve my balance?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I recently turned 70, and I realize my balance is not what it was. For example, I won't climb a ladder anymore. What can I do about it? DEAR READER: You're right to be concerned. Aging...

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What’s considered normal aging when it comes to sex?

DEAR DOCTOR K: My wife and I are in our 70s. Sex is not what it once was. Is there anything "natural" I can do to improve sex? I don't want to take pills. What's normal aging when it comes to sex? DEAR...

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How does physical exercise improve brain health?

DEAR DOCTOR K: You say that physical exercise helps to improve brain health, but it's not obvious to me how that could be. Do researchers understand exactly how exercise helps the brain? DEAR READER: I...

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