Winter can be a cold and snowy season in many parts of the country. It might make older adults more reluctant to go outdoors as often as they might like. Understandably so.

Stroke statistics are quite startling. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. experiences a stroke. Every four minutes, someone dies from a stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, it is the fourth-leading cause of death in this country.

Most of us know physical exercise is good for our health. It helps lower the risk for health problems ranging from cancer to heart disease. Like the body, it’s also important to exercise the mind to protect cognitive health.

Energy costs can take a big bite out of a senior’s budget, especially for those who live on a fixed income. From small changes you can make around your home to purchasing energy-efficient appliances, finding ways to cut energy expenses wherever you can is important.

Generic drugs are sometimes misunderstood. They are a less expensive option, but people may worry that a generic medication might not be as good as a brand name medication. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 90 percent of prescriptions that are filled in this country are for generic drugs.

Seniors are probably the last age group that comes to mind when the topic of addiction comes up. That’s one reason the statistics showing escalating drug misuse among older adults caught many health professionals off guard. Experts say as many as 15 percent of older adults are misusing a prescribed medication.