Posts by Pat Tarantino

The ability to safely travel is a key element to maintaining independence for older adults. While there are a wide variety of assistive devices on the market, four-pointed walkers are among the most common – and most commonly misused options. This article discusses the basics of walker selection and provides tips on how to safely…

The summer season has never been particularly comfortable in New York City, however, ongoing climate change has resulted in locals managing not only muggy, humid weather, but spikes of poor air quality. This phenomenon was particularly noticeable last year in early June, when smoke from wildfires in Canada draped the city in a heavy haze…

New York City is consistently rated as one of the best places in the US for older adults to age in place thanks to ease of access to health care facilities, large, active senior communities, and everyday amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, libraries, and cultural centers located within easy reach. While there are plenty of…

Temperatures and humidity levels are on the rise, making now the ideal time to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared for the hot summer months. While hot summer days may invoke memories of trips to the beach or a cold drink by a pool, the reality is that prolonged exposure to temperatures above…

It’s an unfortunate fact that many Americans worry about visiting their doctor’s office.  A 2023 PatientPoint survey found that 48 percent of all respondents reported putting off medical care due to anxiety and uncertainty. Of those who reported putting off regular medical visits: 52 percent cited concern about being able to afford treatment 40 percent…

Spending one or more nights in a hospital bed following treatment is a bucket list item most of us would rather leave unchecked, but the reality is that remaining under supervision following a surgery or other procedure can be a necessary part of the recovery process. Arriving at the hospital with the clothes on your…

While the constant presence of social media, 24-hour cable news, and online media has the potential to create a more well-informed public, there is a growing body of pandemic-era studies that have found that overexposure to news may present significant mental and physical health hazards, particularly for older adults.  Learn more about how exposure to…

Everyone needs a little help from time to time, and for an older parent, the support of adult children can play a key role in maintaining their long-term health, safety and independence. While we all want to be physically “there” for our loved ones, sometimes circumstances make that impossible. Fortunately for the 37.1 million Americans…

New York City’s walkability and public transit networks are two major factors that make it an incredible location for those who wish to age-in-place. While the city’s density of hospitals, community centers, and groceries make staying engaged in the community easier than more car-dependent locales, traffic accidents still present a significant hazard to older adults.…

Whether you are beginning in-home health care or moving into a senior residence, concerns around safety are incredibly common, especially for families who are new to these types of living arrangements. Long-term care relationships depend on trust, but some families appreciate the additional peace of mind provided by installing discrete ‘granny cams,’ to get a…