Mayo Clinic Aging Forward

Dizziness can be scary, especially when it feels like you can't even trust the ground you're standing on.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Colton T. Clayton, Au.D., Ph.D., breaks down the various types of dizziness and vertigo you might be experiencing, as well as their causes.

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When our metabolism, energy, mood, heart and brain health and overall vitality are lacking, oftentimes, people immediately look to the thyroid as the culprit. But how do we know when it's merely a symptom of natural aging or really due to thyroid disease?

On this episode of Aging Forward, Juan P. Brito Campana, M.B.B.S., discusses what thyroid disease symptoms are often misinterpreted as signs of normal aging and how to know the difference. He'll also break down when — and when not — to get tested for thyroid disease, the different treatment options and what the exciting future of thyroid medicine may hold. Sign up to receive Mayo Clinic Press emails.

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On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Chen talks about what she's learned from grief after the loss of a loved one.

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Even when you're in the best shape of your life, it's smart to have a care plan in place for when you may not be.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Jennifer Brull, M.D., of the American Academy of Family Physicians, talks about advance care planning. She breaks down which documents you should have in order, how to have difficult conversations with family members and how planning ahead can give you and your loved ones peace of mind.

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You just received your “Welcome to Medicare” packet in the mail. But … what exactly is it?

On this episode of Aging Forward, Kisha Davis, M.D., of the American Academy of Family Physicians, explains what the “Welcome to Medicare” visit is, why it matters and how to make the most of it.

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Hair loss — is it simply inevitable as we age?

On this episode of Aging Forward, Saranya P. Wyles, M.D., discusses the various types of hair loss, what the diagnosis process looks like and what we can do to prevent — and, in some cases, even reverse — hair loss.

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Hearing loss is about so much more than merely needing to turn up the volume. It can mean having difficulty hearing sounds at certain frequencies or hearing less clearly, and it can lead to a very isolating experience.

On this episode of Aging Forward, our guest, Dr. Cynthia Hogan, talks about the signs of hearing loss, possible treatment options and the latest technological advances that can help.

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Here's a polished version with smoother flow, corrected grammar, and a more engaging, listener-friendly tone:

About 80% of Americans living with heart failure are age 65 or older. As we age, the risk of developing heart failure increases, often due to conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Omar Abou Ezzeddine explains the different types and stages of heart failure, the symptoms to watch for, and how the condition is diagnosed and treated. He also discusses what life after a heart failure diagnosis can look like — and the steps people can take to manage the condition and maintain their quality of life.

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As you've gotten older, you might notice that your sleep has changed — maybe it's the amount of sleep, the quality of your sleep or even your ability to fall asleep. But why does this happen?
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Melissa Bogin talks about why your sleep is getting worse, what everyday medications may be hurting your sleep and what you can do to help reclaim your nights.

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As we age and develop multiple medical conditions, our medication lists often grow longer. But well-intentioned prescriptions can add up, affecting quality of life — and even causing harm.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Bonnie Sohn, M.D., discusses the complications of prescription cascades, the art of deprescribing, and how to work with your healthcare team to reduce your medication burden.

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Around 7.4 million Americans are living with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia — and as the population ages, that number is expected to rise.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Heather Snyder of the Alzheimer’s Association joins us to discuss the latest advances in Alzheimer’s science, what we know about prevention, and how we can all take steps toward better brain health as we age.

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Technology has allowed us to stay connected more than ever — so why are so many older adults lonelier than ever?

On this episode of Aging Forward, tech expert Scott Lien explains how technology designed by young people for young people can leave older adults behind. He highlights exciting new technologies that help seniors stay independent longer, how to stay safe from scams and when the old-fashioned way of doing things still might be better.

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GLP-1 medications are transforming weight loss — but what do they mean for healthy aging?

In this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Andres Acosta breaks down the difference between a “hungry gut” and a “hungry brain,” explores the potential risks of weight loss later in life, and shares what the future may hold for GLP-1s.

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How can you tell whether changes in your vision are a normal part of aging or a sign that something’s wrong?

On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. John J. Chen breaks it down. He explains what floaters are, how eye care technology has advanced over the years, and how treating cataracts can offer a new lease on life.

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Did you know aging is responsible for only a fraction of the health challenges people face before age 90?
On this episode, Sir Muir Gray — an authority on healthcare systems and longtime NHS leader — shares the five “S’s” of physical health, explains why health systems often function more like “disease services,” and breaks down his formula for the elixir of life.

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As more Americans age, many face an important question: Where will they choose to grow older? Aging at home can come with risks — but it can also offer comfort, independence, and even help reduce hospitalizations and delay the need for nursing home care.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Sarah Nosal explains how staying in a familiar environment can support not only daily function, but also emotional, physical and cognitive health — and what to consider when deciding if aging in place is the right choice.

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About 1 in 10 older U.S. adults experiences some form of abuse or neglect — an issue that’s often hidden in plain sight. Why do these situations happen, and how can our social support systems fall short?

On this episode of Aging Forward, lawyer and elder justice expert M.T. Connolly discusses where and how elder abuse can occur, why society often focuses on preventing aging instead of supporting people as they age, and what community-based solutions could help reduce harm and better protect older adults.

Chronic illnesses don’t always happen one at a time. They often cluster together — leaving older adults juggling medications, appointments and physical limitations in their day-to-day lives.

On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Brent Smith breaks down how we can age well when life feels medically complex. He explains why he recommends an annual medication review, the potential advantages of deprescribing and how realistic goal-setting can create a cascade of benefits for overall well-being.

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About 1 in 4 adults experience some form of arthritis. But when is joint pain a normal part of aging, and when is it something that warrants further evaluation — or may even be reversible?

On this episode of Aging Forward, rheumatologist Dr. Elena Myasoedova discusses three major types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and crystalline arthritis. She explains the difference between degenerative and inflammatory arthritis, how periodontal health may affect joint health, and how to assess arthritic pain and know when to seek care.

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As we get older, many people notice changes in pelvic floor function, which can show up as urinary leakage or difficulty controlling the bladder.

In this episode of Aging Forward, John Occhino, M.D., explains why these issues are common, but not an inevitable part of aging. He discusses pelvic floor disorders, reviews nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, and explains how to perform Kegel exercises correctly.

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