Seniors make up about 15 percent of Alameda’s population, yet many are forced to leave the Island for healthcare due to both a shortage of physicians and practices capping the number of Medicare patients they’ll accept. 

Cataracts often come with age and can affect anyone’s vision. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. New eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses may help symptoms. If not, surgery may be necessary.

A man told me a story about his 10-year-old son, Jeff — a good student and a well-behaved child. Jeff is somewhat quiet and did not begin to develop strong friendships until the past year. Four boys have become good friends. They play video games and hang out at school together. 

As people age, it’s important to receive wellness care: healthcare that may lower risk of illness or injury. Medicare pays for some wellness care, but it does not pay for all the wellness care a patient might need.

Everyone experiences anxiety. When we have a test to take, when we have a job interview, when we ice skate for the first time. Some level of anxiety prompts us to pay attention, and that can be helpful.

AEC Living visited Mastick Senior Center on Wednesday, May 30, to help celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day. The event, which was free to seniors, offered mini senior fitness tests with a certified personal trainer and free blood-pressure and glucose checks from Alameda Hospital. 

There is no way to describe depression that fits everyone. Just as each person is unique, so are our ways of experiencing our feelings. 

When clients first come to my office, I find out about their backgrounds. Where they came from sets a backdrop to who they’ve become. Who raised them lays a foundation for the values and lifestyles they grew up in and this impacts who they become as they age.

As my parents age and cope with chronic disease, I see first-hand how the healthcare system fails them and countless other seniors.