Thyroid disorders can occur at any age and can go undetected for years. Diagnosis is difficult because symptoms can be mild and wide-ranging--from changes in body temperature, weight, and mood to energy levels and heart rate.

If you are over 60 and have an overactive thyroid gland, it can be particularly difficult to know you have a potentially life-threatening problem.

Studies have found that older people with an overactive thyroid are less likely to have the classic signs and symptoms experienced by younger adults. Or, when symptoms do occur, they may be brushed aside as the result of another preexisting health condition, side effect from a medication or a change in lifestyle such as diet or exercise.

One study found that younger adults may show typical signs of an overactive thyroid:  increased sweating, heat tolerance, hand tremors, nervousness, and excessive thirst and increased appetite, but seniors may not have them.

However there are some signs to watch for that may point to thyroid problems:

• Significant weight loss. Hyperthyroidism may cause weight loss in any adult, but older people tend to experience this symptom more dramatically. This can lead to a malnourished appearance and muscle weakness.
• Atrial fibrillation.  One study comparing overactive thyroid symptoms in patients found that 35% of older people experienced irregular heart rhythms, but only 2% of younger patients did.
• Heart failure.  An overactive thyroid puts a heavy burden on the heart muscle which can reduce its ability to pump blood. Seniors may experience shortness of breath, swelling in the ankles, and weakness and fatigue.
• Depression.  An older person with hyperthyroidism is more likely to experience depression than a younger adult.

Because thyroid disorders are so common, it’s important for everyone to understand the significant role the thyroid gland plays in maintaining good health and what can happen when it doesn’t function properly. We cover all things thyroid in this health guide:  Nutrition for Thyroid Health: Foods that Help and Harm.

Sources:

Harvard Medical School

MedScape

New research suggests that it’s especially important for elderly people to get adequate dietary intake of zinc at this life stage because their ability to absorb it is declining.

Using lab animals, the study found that zinc transporters were significantly disrupted in older animals. They showed signs of zinc deficiency and had an enhanced inflammatory response even though their diet supposedly contained adequate amounts of zinc.

When the animals were given a dose 10 times the normal dietary requirement for zinc, the biomarkers for inflammation were that of young animals.

Essential Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in the immune system, reproduction, growth, taste, vision, and smell, blood clotting, and proper insulin and thyroid function.

Zinc also has antioxidant properties that help protect your body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Many experts believe that free radicals and the inflammation they promote contribute to the aging process.

Therefore zinc deficiency in seniors may be especially worrisome as the body’s ability to combat free radical damage and inflammation may be decreasing even as the amount of damage is going up.

Growing Problem

According to experts, about 40 percent of elderly Americans have diets that are deficient in this important micronutrient.

“The elderly are the fastest growing population in the U.S. and are highly vulnerable to zinc deficiency,” said Emily Ho, an LPI principal investigator and associate professor in OSU School of Biological and Population Health Sciences. “They don’t consume enough of this nutrient and don’t absorb it very well.”

Ho said that she would recommend all senior citizens take a dietary supplement that includes the full RDA for zinc, which is 11 milligrams a day for men and 8 milligrams for women.

Even though elderly people do not absorb zinc as well as they used to, the official RDA for them is the same as in younger adults. This issue should be examined more closely, Ho said.

Levels of zinc intake above 40 milligrams per day should be avoided, researchers said, because at very high levels they can interfere with absorption of other key nutrients, including iron and copper.

We recommend that you speak with your doctor to determine the best amount of zinc for you.

Dietary Sources of Zinc

The best dietary sources of zinc are seafood and meats. While some grains and vegetables contain zinc, it is not readily absorbed from these sources which is a particular concern for vegetarians.

Sources:

Linus Pauling Institute

University of Maryland Medical Center

Per federal dietary guidelines, we often hear about recommendations regarding the intake of folic acid to reduce the number of cases of spina bifida and other neural tube birth defects. But did you know that folic acid is also necessary for your brain as you age?

A recent study among older adults found that 400 mcg of folic acid combined with 100 mcg of vitamin B12 promoted healthy cognitive functioning--especially in memory tasks. The randomized, controlled 2-year trial involved 900 adults age 60-74.

Folic Acid Sources

Foods containing folic acid include leafy green vegetables, fruits, dried beans, peas and nuts. Enriched breads, cereals and other grain products also contain folic acid. The recommended dietary allowance for folate in adults is 400 mcg daily. If you don’t get enough folate in your diet, you can also take it as a dietary supplement.

Vitamin B12 Sources

Vitamin B12 is present in animal products such as meat, poultry, fish (including shellfish), and to a lesser extent milk. Therefore vegetarians often need to take a B12 supplement.

The recommended dietary allowance for B12 in adults 14-and older is 2.4 mcg/day. However, for adults 50 and older it is recommended that Vitamin B12 intake should be from supplements or fortified foods due to age-related malabsorption which can be caused by:

• Pernicious anemia, a condition in which there is a lack of a protein called intrinsic factor. The protein, which is made in the stomach, is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.
• Atrophic gastritis, a thinning of the stomach lining that affects up to 30% of people aged 50 and older.
• Surgery in which part of the stomach and/or small intestine is removed.
• Conditions affecting the small intestine, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Autoimmune disorders, such as Graves' disease or lupus
• Long-term use of acid-reducing drugs.

Both folic acid and vitamin B12 are commonly found in B-Complex supplements.

Sources:

Medline Plus

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Linus Pauling Institute

WebMD

Anyone who owns a dog can tell you that the bond they share with their furry friend is pretty special. For many seniors, a specially trained service or therapy dog can enrich their lives immeasurably. Today, dogs are trained to help seniors with a range of concerns—from managing a disability to providing unconditional love and companionship.

Service Dogs

Dogs trained to assist their owners with a disability are called “service dogs.” These dogs have special status by law and are allowed in public places. Dogs can be trained to provide assistance with many types of physical, mental or emotional disabilities including:

• Hearing or vision loss
• Paralysis or impaired movement
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Autism
• Alzheimer’s
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are trained for companionship and emotional support, but do not have the same status as service dog to enter public places. There are several types of animal-oriented therapy, and each one delivers different benefits for different conditions.

• Visitation therapy: This is the most familiar type of therapy in which dogs visit hospitals, nursing homes, or senior centers to interact with residents and patients. Residents get the loving attention of a dog without the necessary care requirements, which is beneficial in facilities where pets are not permitted.
• Ownership therapy: Dog ownership is often recommended by conventional and alternative medical practitioners for its physical, mental and emotional benefits. Individuals interested in ownership therapy, however, should carefully consider the needs and requirements of the animal when choosing a new companion.
• Animal-assisted therapy: This is a more intensive type of therapy where patients in need of extreme rehabilitation are paired with incredibly sensitive dogs as part of an intensive therapy regime. Interacting with the animals can build confidence as well as refine physical skills.

If you are interested in acquiring a service or therapy dog, consult your doctor and a reputable assistance dog organization such as Assistance Dog International or Pet Partners. In honor of International Assistance Dog Week (IADW), we would like to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs that help us in more ways than we could ever imagine.

Sources:

Assistance Dogs International

International Assistance Dog Week

Therapy Dogs United

In three separate studies researchers came to a similar conclusion: a change in walking ability as you age may by a sign of oncoming mental decline. Specifically, declines in mental skills, including losses in memory and decision making skill, were associated with a slowed walking pace and shortening of a person’s stride.

This research may help families and clinicians spot early signs of dementia so that treatment can begin sooner, and the decline hopefully slowed.

Study Details

In one four-year study, Swiss researchers compared the walking ability of nearly 1,200 elderly people who were outpatients in a memory clinic to the walking ability of healthy people.

Analysis of the data revealed that a slowed pace and a change in gait was linked to progression of mental decline ranging from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease.

The more advance the mental decline, the slower the pace and the more faltering the stride. So, those with Alzheimer's walked slower than those with MCI, who in turn walked slower than those who were cognitively healthy.

In another study among more than 1,300 patients at the Mayo Clinic, researchers found that tests of both mental and walking skills over a 15-month period also revealed an association between mental skills and a slower, faltering gait.

The third study, conducted in Japan,  involved neurological, psychological and physical tests on 525 men and women aged 75 and older.

They, too, found that as walking abilities declined so did the patients' mental skills. "Gait velocity was significantly decreased as the severity of dementia symptoms increased," said lead researcher Kenichi Meguro.

The bottom line, he said: "Gait should no longer be considered a simple, automatic motor activity that is independent of cognition. They are linked."

For tips on how to support the health of your brain, see Memory Food: The Many Ways to Protect Your Brain

Source:

HealthFinder

Years ago, when people spent more time outdoors and sunscreen was for wussies, vitamin D deficiency wasn’t that common. Exposure to sunlight was all your body needed to make enough vitamin D.

But times have changed and studies are finding that over 75% of Americans, young and old, are deficient in vitamin D. Consequently, we’re also seeing what happens to our bodies when we don’t get enough vitamin D, which is essential for a healthy immune system, strong bones and muscles and much more.

Recent studies highlight some of these effects of vitamin D deficiency:

Muscle Health

Researchers studying elite NFL football players found that lacking in vitamin D may increase the chance of muscle injuries.

Eighty percent of the football teams they studied had a vitamin D insufficiency. African-American players and players who suffered muscle injuries had significantly lower levels.

Other studies have found similar results in younger athletes as well.

Mobility and Falls Among Seniors

For older adults, vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of losing mobility and falls—two of the biggest fears among seniors for good reason.

Being physically active helps maintain general health and prevent many chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Therefore, losing mobility may lead to an overall decline in health, loss of independence and the ability to enjoy life.

One study reported a 30% increased risk of mobility limitations for those older adults who had low levels of vitamin D, and almost a two-fold higher risk of mobility disability.

Vitamin D plays an important role in muscle function, so it is plausible that low levels of the vitamin could result in the onset of decreased lower muscle strength and physical performance, study authors explained.

Mobility problems often lead to falls--a leading cause of serious injury and the principle reason why older adults enter nursing homes. As many as 40% of people aged 65 and older living outside of nursing homes fall at least once a year, and up to 10% of those who fall will suffer fractures, lacerations, or head injuries.

After reviewing more than 50 clinical trials to assess the best way to prevent falls in older adults living independently at home, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found determined that exercise or physical therapy and vitamin D supplementation can help reduce the risk of falls in people aged 65 and older.

Although the report did not address vitamin D dosage, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) call for people at increased risk for falls to take a supplement of at least 800 international units (IU) of the vitamin a day.

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?

The daily recommended amounts vary by age, so be sure to read this post and speak with your doctor if you think you might be lacking vitamin D.

With widespread deficiency in this nutrient, many doctors now check serum vitamin D levels during regular check-ups.

If you are deficient, vitamin D supplements are a quick and easy way to get your Vitamin D levels back to normal.

Sources:

Drug Store News

WebMd

Linus Pauling Institute

Drug Store News

Walking is one of the easiest, best and safest ways for people, especially seniors, not only to get their exercise, but to improve their brain functioning and protect them from cognitive problems. Add to those advantages giving seniors a "get out of the hospital" card earlier than they expected, according to a new study.

While medicine has recognized that mobility is crucial in the healing process, particularly for patients hospitalized with neurological or orthopedic problems, there's no formal standard for seniors dealing with acute illnesses. This information gap prompted researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston to track the health of 162 hospitalized seniors over age 65 who were fitted with an ankle device about the size of an pager that counted every step patients took while they were in the hospital.

Even after the individual severities of their conditions were taken into account statistically, patients who increased their mobility by small amounts shortened their time in the hospital compared to those who were more sedentary.

Short amounts of walking time -- 40-minute sessions three days a week -- can do wonders for the gray matter of seniors too.

Archives of Internal Medicine, Vol. 170, No. 21, pp. 1942-1943, November 22, 2010

ScienceDaily December 12, 2010

Most of you already understand the primary health benefit of owning of a dog: Walking long distances you wouldn't even consider attempting at your local health club in pursuit of the perfect open-air latrine for your bestest canine friend. Exercise and companionship aren't the only health perks you'll enjoy, particularly if you're a Baby Boomer or senior wanting to maintain an active mind.

Sixty-five previously sedentary patients (ages 59-80) were divided into two groups -- walking or stretching and toning -- to determine which activity better promoted the connectivity of important brain circuits over the course of a year, with the help of functional magnetic resonance imaging. Researchers were keen to monitor any changes in the brain's default mode network (DMN), the region of the brain that dominates activity when a patient is least engaged with the world around him/her. Deficits in this area are a common marker of aging, and can be a sign of disease in some extreme cases, according to previous studies.

Of the two groups, walkers experienced better connectivity in the DMN and the area that helps the brain perform better on more complex tasks (multitasking, planning, scheduling) and scored far better on cognitive tests than did the toning-stretching group.

Even better, the amount of walking time needed for patients to experience an improvement in brain function is very doable for many folks: Forty-minute sessions three days a week at one's own pace.

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, Vol. 2, Article 32, August 2010 Free Full Text PDF

ScienceDaily August 27, 2010

Getting the right amount of vitamin D may be just as vital for the physical health of seniors as it is for children with growing bones, according to a new study that examined connections between the sunshine vitamin and physical functioning.

Researchers studied the health of nearly 2,800 seniors (with a median age of 75) for four years, first by analyzing blood samples for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (this determines if bone weakness or the metabolism of calcium is occurring due to having too little or too much vitamin D). Additionally, scientists measured how 25-hydroxyvitamin D was connected to physical functioning in an array of tests, among them measuring a patient's ability to walk 6 meters, stand up from a sitting position five times and maintain their balance.

No surprise, patients whose bodies had the most 25-hydroxyvitamin D functioned the best. What's more, even as physical functioning declined as the study continued, the most physically vital of patients were those who had the highest levels of vitamin D at the beginning.

Two caveats worth considering. For one, vitamin D consumption was very low among this generally healthy group of seniors (more than 90 percent consumed less than daily recommended amount of vitamin D). Interestingly, a majority of patients took a dietary supplement.

EurekAlert April 25, 2010

NutraIngredients-USA.com April 26, 2010

Knowing how devastating falls can be for older adults -- the CDC says they are the leading cause of death among seniors -- the real trick is, not only to find physical activities that will help them maintain their balance, but ones they'll enjoy doing regularly. Hard to imagine physical activity more fun -- and social -- for seniors than dancing, and a pair of recent studies from the University of Missouri bear that out.

Not surprisingly, the effect of a low-impact, dance-therapy program -- The Lebed Method tailored for seniors in two elder-care environments -- did the trick for patients who participated regularly in therapy sessions, improving their ability to maintain balance, gait and overall functionality.

Interestingly, the Lebed Method was developed by Sherry Lebed Davis, a former professional ballroom dancer and cancer survivor with the help of her two brothers who are physicians, originally to brighten the spirits of her mother who was recovering from breast cancer. After receiving her own breast cancer diagnosis in 1996, Sherry used that very same regimen to dance her way back to emotional and physical health.

Watch Susan DeCristofaro, a nursing veteran of some 30 years and director of patient and family education at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, demonstrate The Lebed Method, a gentle way cancer patients can incorporate an exercise plan during and after their recovery.

Nursing Administration Quarterly, Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 156-161, April/June 2010

ScienceDaily April 17, 2010

Not unlike the losing battle of the bulge -- Americans talking more about preventing obesity than doing anything about it -- the same applies to most older long-term cancer survivors.Scientists had good reasons to review the data of 753 seniors (age 65 and older) who had survived five years or longer from various cancers (prostate, colorectal and breast). Few studies have documented the health habits of this age group that encompasses more than half of the 11 million cancer survivors in America.

Although all patients were interested in participating in the study, most had generally poor health habits, for example, reporting only 10 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each week, a fraction of the 150-minute national recommendation. Only 7 percent of the patients surveyed followed healthy diet guidelines.

The news was not completely bad, however. Patients who followed more nutritious diets and exercise plans felt better physically and had more vitality. And, even those cancer survivors who followed suboptimal health habits enjoyed a better quality of life, both physically and mentally, that exceeded those usually reported by seniors.

Learn more about surviving and thriving after cancer with these great tips from the American Cancer Society.

Cancer (Journal) July 27, 2009

MSN Health & Fitness July 27, 2009

Science Daily July 28, 2009