Around 20% of adults between ages 40 and 79 are taking five or more prescription drugs—and for older adults, the numbers are likely even higher. Our relationship to medication can change over the years: our bodies take longer to clear them from our system, and in some cases, side affects from medications lead to even more prescriptions!

On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with clinical pharmacist Tim Habermann about supplements, high costs of medication, and proactive approaches to medication management.

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Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

Cognitive functioning is a key part of overall health and independence — which is why dementia can be especially challenging for individuals, family, and loved ones. But is dementia preventable? What can we do now to preserve brain health? And how do we distinguish between cognitive changes related to typical aging and symptoms of dementia?

On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with internist and geriatrician Dr. Ericka Tung about these common questions, caring for adults with dementia, and positive outlooks for dementia prevention.

Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.

Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.

As we age, so do our organs, including our heart. So what can we do to make the most of our heart health as we get older?

On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with cardiologist Dr. Stephen Kopecky about how it's never too late to improve our heart health, and how even small adjustments to our lifestyle habits—from diet to exercise to sleep—can have a significant impact.

Purchase Dr. Kopecky's book Live Younger Longer.

Find us online at Mayo Clinic Press for more health and wellness articles, podcasts and books.

Do you have feedback, questions or topic suggestions? Email us at mcppodcasts@mayo.edu.