Thanksgiving is typically a day to pause and give thanks for life’s many blessings. Many older adults gather with friends and family to enjoy a traditional meal. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the holiday’s traditional menu choices aren’t very healthy.

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects 50 million Americans. It is a chronic, degenerative condition where cartilage in the joints deteriorates. It causes bones to rub against each other resulting in chronic pain, loss of flexibility, and even a diminished or complete loss of movement in the affected joint. OA is the leading cause of disability in this country.

As a nation, we’ve become more aware of the dangers associated with a diet that contains too much sugar. From type 2 diabetes to obesity, sugar is linked to a variety of health conditions. Even if you cut back on cookies, cakes, candy, and sugary drinks, you might still be consuming more sugar than you think.

The more we learn about nutrition, the more we understand the important role it plays in aging well. Eating a well-balanced diet means consuming meals rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts, and legumes. It also means avoiding red meat, processed foods, and sugary treats.

A robust diet is key to enjoying a healthy life. But for seniors, a variety of circumstances can make it challenging to eat the full amount of recommended nutrients that our aging bodies need each day. This can lead to loss of weight, which may affect a senior’s overall health and quality of life.

Fatigue is a common complaint for adults of all ages. For some, it is caused by a hectic lifestyle that requires juggling multiple daily responsibilities. Other adults believe sleep problems are responsible for their fatigue. There is also a popular and persistent myth that seniors should just learn to accept that with aging comes less energy.

The Kentucky Derby is much more than a horse race. The world famous “Run for the Roses” caps a two-week celebration known as the Kentucky Derby Festival. Events leading up to the derby range from the Thunder Over Louisville fireworks—the unofficial kick-off to the festival—to a balloon fest, waterfront concerts, a marathon, and more.