Posts by Pat Tarantino

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.…

Every second counts during a medical emergency, and ensuring doctors have quick access to relevant information ensures the patient receives the care they need and greatly reduces the chance of a bad situation getting worse. In observation of September as National Preparedness Month, we will discuss a critical, but often overlooked piece of emergency equipment:…

September marks National Preparedness Month and is a good time to evaluate your household’s emergency plans. Generally speaking, sheltering in place (remaining at home) during an emergency is the safest way to avoid the brunt of a heat wave, hurricane, power outage, or other common emergency scenario. However, if you live in an area expected…

September is national preparedness month and in observation of the occasion, we would like to share some tips and resources to help residents better prepare for common emergency situations we face in the city. This week, we will discuss how to manage the risk of hurricanes, tropical cyclones, and other heavy storms.  Understanding hurricanes and heavy storms…

Despite hundreds of academic studies highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of pet ownership among older adults, elder care experts remain undecided on whether or not an animal companion has an overall positive or negative impact on quality of life. The net benefits and challenges of pet ownership often boil down to a case-by-case basis depending on the…

With summer well under way, high temperatures, humidity, and the haze of poor air quality will be a fact of life for the coming months. While these annual hazards can pose a risk for New Yorkers of all ages, older adults are particularly vulnerable to summer weather conditions. Read on to learn how to protect…

Family caregiving – the act of providing unpaid assistance to a friend or family member with a disability, illness, or chronic condition has become increasingly common in recent years. A 2020 study conducted by AARP found that nearly one-in-five American adults serve as family caregivers in some capacity, and that more than half (61 percent) do so…

One of the many reasons New York City is an exceptional place for older adults to remain independent while aging in place is the wealth of medical care providers in every neighborhood. While the city’s vast medical care network means help is never more than a few blocks away, it also means that an individual…

Physical and occupational therapy are types of rehabilitative medical services meant to help a patient recover from or mitigate the effects of a variety of conditions, including stroke, physical trauma, surgery, and brain damage, that restrict or change how the patient can use their body. Both types of care aim to restore a patient’s independence…