Posts by Pat Tarantino

New York City can be a beautiful place during a winter snow storm, but the prolonged cold weather and heavy snowfall experienced this winter means that snow banks and ice have remained on sidewalks far longer than we’ve typically experienced in recent years. Given the surprising amount of snow and ice we’ve seen this year,…

Despite chilly weather, the spring season is fast approaching, and with it, spring cleaning. There’s no shortage of spring-cleaning projects to take up, but few will have as many direct impacts on your long-term health and safety as a review of your prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications kept around the home. Read on for important…

Cold weather, short days, and stress around the holidays can make the winter an emotionally tough time of year, and a growing body of evidence suggests that there might be biological causes for the “winter blues,” a condition referred to in medical circles as “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD.) While feeling a little down during the…

Enjoying a home-cooked meal is one of life’s simple pleasures at any age. For older adults, being able to produce nutritious meals at home can be a key element in remaining healthy, independent, and maintaining a positive outlook on one’s abilities to care for themselves. At the same time, kitchens can be a dangerous place…

With the new year just around the corner, many are thinking about ways to improve their health, homes, and overall wellbeing. One resolution that’s worth considering is creating a safer living space, particularly for those at increased risk of falls and other household accidents. A simple way to reduce these risks is by decluttering your…

A sudden fall can cause significant injury at any age, however our bodies become particularly susceptible to significant fall-related injuries as they age. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 3 million adults aged 65 and older were brought to a hospital emergency room in 2021, and more than…

When we discuss long-term health for older adults, we often focus on issues like mobility, balance, and cognition, but one critical aspect of health that frequently goes overlooked is oral care. Many older adults experience oral health challenges that not only affect their ability to eat, speak, and smile, but can also have far-reaching implications…

The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it, an opportunity for families to come together, celebrate their shared past and create new memories for the future. Hosting a family gathering is no small task, especially when trying to make the event welcoming to older relatives who may have needs that differ from younger family…

Substance abuse among older adults is a growing concern, with significant implications for both the individuals affected and their families. As the U.S. population ages, the challenges related to physical health, cognitive decline, and emotional well-being become more pronounced. In this context, substance misuse has emerged as a hidden issue, often going unnoticed by family…

When it comes to mobility, strength, and balance, the old adage of “use it or lose it” remains relevant at any age, but especially as we grow older. While maintaining a consistent exercise schedule tailored to your own abilities and limitations is vital, injury, illness, or changes in your living situation may interrupt your routine.…