Growing older and getting reading glasses seem to go hand in hand, just like getting gray hair or wrinkles as you age. But that doesn't have to be the case if you take steps to care for your eyes as you age.

The financial downturn has affected most Americans in some way, and Asian Americans are no exception, a new survey reveals. In fact, eight out of 10 Asian Americans polled by Prudential Financial, say their savings and investments have been negatively impacted in recent years.

The very qualities that make some seniors feel safe - a tendency to not use credit much, operating on a cash basis and avoiding technology - make identity thieves view seniors as very appealing targets, credit experts warn. Here are some steps seniors can take to protect themselves.

Coming home from the hospital or other care setting after an illness or surgery can be worrisome for both patients and the friends and family members who care for them. Planning ahead can make the process much easier. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has advice that is useful to the millions of Americans who are actively involved in caregiving. Through its caregiver initiative, Ask Medicare, CMS recommends the following steps to prepare for a transition.

For many, accepting the fact that they may be suffering from hearing loss is a difficult process, and finding the best hearing aid for their needs can be difficult. Help is available to ensure that anyone in need of a hearing aid receives the very best information and professional service.

Clinical trials play an important role in the development of cancer treatments. They are carried out in hopes of finding safer and more effective ways to screen for, prevent, diagnose or treat cancer. In fact, cancer medicines now approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were first studied in clinical trials.

By many estimates, two-thirds of older Americans will eventually become dependent on others to complete everyday tasks. But realizing that you need help or convincing someone else that they do is often more difficult than arranging long-term care. Look for these signs to help determine your elderly loved one's needs and the best ways to meet them.

Cold doesn't just reduce swelling in the bump on your noggin, it also helps soothe any kind of swelling from a baby's teething gums to a boxer's swollen eye. Cold therapy has long been recognized as an effective way to reduce swelling on all parts of the body - even in the sensitive area where hemorrhoids occur.

The health benefits of volunteering are well documented and include reduced stress and risk of disease, an increased feeling of self worth and possibly even increased life expectancy. It is no wonder that for many people with chronic conditions, volunteering can even help maintain or improve one's physical health.

If you're older than 65 and take multiple medications, you should be aware of potential interactions between your drugs. These interactions can cause unwanted side effects, reduce the effectiveness of your medicine, or even lead to hospitalization. Studies show that up to 30 percent of hospital admissions of elderly patients are linked to harmful effects of medications and other related problems.