Be sure that your parent sees her doctor to find out whether her incontinence is treatable. Contrary to common belief, incontinence isn't a normal part of aging. It does strike about one in ten people over the age of 65, though, either temporarily or more long-term, and it's more common among women.

The following are a collection of entries from our Care Blog that discusses the Seven Pillars of Successful Weight Loss for adults and the elderly.

The first pillar is restoring insulin sensitivity. There are several ways to restore insulin sensitivity to cell membranes. As we age, insulin receptors on cell membranes tends to lose their sensitivity and functionality. When this happens, the condition is called "insulin resistance". Insulin resistance impairs the ability of cells to effeciently take up glucose and use it for energy production. The glucose that is not taken up by cells prompts the release of excess insulin and results in hyperinsulinemia. This condition is associated with a signicant increase in the risk of heart disease. The most effective way of restoring insulin sensitivity is by reducing caloric intake. It is recommended that if one reduces caloric intake to under 1,800 calories per day, you will see a remarkable improvement in insulin sensitivity. Other ways to restore insulin sensitivity in cells can be through hormones, doctor prescribed medications and nutrients found in certain foods, such as fish oil.

A recent article from the NAFC looks at a symptom that 13.5 million people are too embarrassed to speak about with their own doctor. That symptom is incontinence. As the United States population ages, many baby boomers find themselves experiencing incontinence as a symptom of another medical condition. Examples of these conditions are prostate cancer, Alzheimer's and diabetes.

Many baby boomers are faced with the reality of living with their elderly parents as their loved ones lose the ability to be independent. They are a part of or aware of their parent's every day activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is in these close quarters that the caregivers may begin to see changes in their parent's actions, thoughts and emotions. The question may arise, "Are these changes attributed to the natural aging process or are these the first signs of dementia and Alzheimer's?" Listed below are warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's to look for according to the Alzheimer's Association. Also listed are signs associated with the normal aging process.

A special health report recently published by Jennie Chine Hansen, president of the AARP, highlights methods that all of us can use to control our health and allow us to remain independent as we grow older. The following are some facts and tips that she has to offer.

High rates of depressive symptoms and mental health problems among caregivers, compounded with the physical strain of caring for someone who cannot perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, grooming and other personal care activities, put many caregivers at serious risk for poor physical health outcomes. Indeed, the impact of providing care can lead to increased health care needs for the caregiver.