Published by Mayo Clinic Press
"Aging Forward" brings you expert conversations on healthy aging and geriatric medicine, so you can embrace older age with vitality and joy. Learn about the science of aging and discover strategies for healthy habits, preventive care, caregiving, and living your best life.
Listen on Apple PodcastsHere's a polished version with smoother flow, corrected grammar, and a more engaging, listener-friendly tone: About 80% of Americans living with heart failure are age 65 or older. As we age, the risk of developing heart failure increases, often due to conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and other cardiovascular risk factors. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Omar Abou Ezzeddine explains the different types and stages of heart failure, the symptoms to watch for, and how the condition is diagnosed and treated. He also discusses what life after a heart failure diagnosis can look like — and the steps people can take to manage the condition and maintain their quality of life. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
As you've gotten older, you might notice that your sleep has changed — maybe it's the amount of sleep, the quality of your sleep or even your ability to fall asleep. But why does this happen? On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Melissa Bogin talks about why your sleep is getting worse, what everyday medications may be hurting your sleep and what you can do to help reclaim your nights. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
As we age and develop multiple medical conditions, our medication lists often grow longer. But well-intentioned prescriptions can add up, affecting quality of life — and even causing harm. On this episode of Aging Forward, Bonnie Sohn, M.D., discusses the complications of prescription cascades, the art of deprescribing, and how to work with your healthcare team to reduce your medication burden. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
Around 7.4 million Americans are living with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia — and as the population ages, that number is expected to rise. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Heather Snyder of the Alzheimer’s Association joins us to discuss the latest advances in Alzheimer’s science, what we know about prevention, and how we can all take steps toward better brain health as we age. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
Technology has allowed us to stay connected more than ever — so why are so many older adults lonelier than ever? On this episode of Aging Forward, tech expert Scott Lien explains how technology designed by young people for young people can leave older adults behind. He highlights exciting new technologies that help seniors stay independent longer, how to stay safe from scams and when the old-fashioned way of doing things still might be better. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
GLP-1 medications are transforming weight loss — but what do they mean for healthy aging? In this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Andres Acosta breaks down the difference between a “hungry gut” and a “hungry brain,” explores the potential risks of weight loss later in life, and shares what the future may hold for GLP-1s. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
How can you tell whether changes in your vision are a normal part of aging or a sign that something’s wrong? On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. John J. Chen breaks it down. He explains what floaters are, how eye care technology has advanced over the years, and how treating cataracts can offer a new lease on life. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
Did you know aging is responsible for only a fraction of the health challenges people face before age 90? On this episode, Sir Muir Gray — an authority on healthcare systems and longtime NHS leader — shares the five “S’s” of physical health, explains why health systems often function more like “disease services,” and breaks down his formula for the elixir of life. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
As more Americans age, many face an important question: Where will they choose to grow older? Aging at home can come with risks — but it can also offer comfort, independence, and even help reduce hospitalizations and delay the need for nursing home care. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Sarah Nosal explains how staying in a familiar environment can support not only daily function, but also emotional, physical and cognitive health — and what to consider when deciding if aging in place is the right choice. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
About 1 in 10 older U.S. adults experiences some form of abuse or neglect — an issue that’s often hidden in plain sight. Why do these situations happen, and how can our social support systems fall short? On this episode of Aging Forward, lawyer and elder justice expert M.T. Connolly discusses where and how elder abuse can occur, why society often focuses on preventing aging instead of supporting people as they age, and what community-based solutions could help reduce harm and better protect older adults.
Chronic illnesses don’t always happen one at a time. They often cluster together — leaving older adults juggling medications, appointments and physical limitations in their day-to-day lives. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Brent Smith breaks down how we can age well when life feels medically complex. He explains why he recommends an annual medication review, the potential advantages of deprescribing and how realistic goal-setting can create a cascade of benefits for overall well-being. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
About 1 in 4 adults experience some form of arthritis. But when is joint pain a normal part of aging, and when is it something that warrants further evaluation — or may even be reversible? On this episode of Aging Forward, rheumatologist Dr. Elena Myasoedova discusses three major types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and crystalline arthritis. She explains the difference between degenerative and inflammatory arthritis, how periodontal health may affect joint health, and how to assess arthritic pain and know when to seek care. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
As we get older, many people notice changes in pelvic floor function, which can show up as urinary leakage or difficulty controlling the bladder. In this episode of Aging Forward, John Occhino, M.D., explains why these issues are common, but not an inevitable part of aging. He discusses pelvic floor disorders, reviews nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, and explains how to perform Kegel exercises correctly. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
What happens when testosterone levels decline with age? And how can you tell the difference between signs of typical aging and true testosterone deficiency? On this episode of Aging Forward, endocrinologist Dr. C. Scott Collins discusses the symptoms of low testosterone, the connection between sleep apnea and low testosterone, and why testosterone plays an important role beyond sexual function. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.
So you have diabetes. Now what? In this episode of Aging Forward — part two of our series on diabetes — registered dietitian Laura Knudsen returns to discuss eating patterns for nutrition and weight loss, and how to decide whether GLP-1 medications are right for you. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Diabetes and prediabetes are increasingly common among older adults, with nearly one-third affected by diabetes and about half living with prediabetes. This episode of Aging Forward features registered dietitian Laura Knudsen, who shares evidence-based strategies for managing diabetes through nutrition, weight loss, regular physical activity, and long-term lifestyle changes. She explains how sustainable diet and movement routines can improve blood sugar control, reduce reliance on medications, and even reverse early indicators of type 2 diabetes. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Today we're highlighting another one of Mayo Clinic's podcasts, Mayo Clinic Talks. On this special episode feature, Aging Forward host Dr. Christina Chen discusses Alzheimer's disease and its effect on family dynamics. Nearly six million people in the United States age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s Disease; of these about 80% are 75 years old and older. It is a devastating disease, not only for the patient, but also for the family of the patient involved. Unfortunately, currently available treatment for Alzheimer’s has been disappointing. Cure or even stability of the cognitive loss is not possible. The topics for today’s podcast include mild cognitive impairment and dementia, focusing on Alzheimer’s Disease, and our guest is Ronald C. Petersen, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist and specialist in Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. We’ll discuss the evaluation, the current available treatment as well as what might be on the horizon in the management of this disease. Find more Mayo Clinic Talks podcasts https://ce.mayo.edu/online-education/content/mayo-clinic-talks Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
When we talk about health, we usually think about physical well-being: scheduling regular checkups and staying fit through exercise. We may also consider mental health and self-care. But how often do we think about spiritual health? On this episode of Aging Forward, the Rev. BJ Larson discusses her work as a chaplain, the role of spirituality in aging well, and what people most want to hear at the end of life. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
How is physical therapy just for athletes? On this episode of Aging Forward, physical therapist Josh Millitzer says older adults are athletes too — their sport is staying strong to maintain function and independence. He discusses early warning signs of physical decline, the risks of the “slippery slope of aging,” and how we can stop — and even reverse — decline through targeted interventions and hard work. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
On this very personal episode of Aging Forward, Kathy Anderson shares her experience caring for her mother, Ronnie, who lives with dementia. From the first signs of her mother’s decline to the ways the two make the most of each day, Kathy offers insights and hope for anyone on a similar path. Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books. Have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy