Category: Aging
Americans are unprepared for the expensive and complex process of aging
A geriatrician explains how they can start planning
Five lifestyle changes that might help you live longer and slow down ageing
Society is fascinated with health, fitness and longevity. This obsession has spawned a multi-million pound industry centred around pushing the latest cutting-edge science, lifestyle modifications and products that claim to prevent ageing and live as long as possible.
But the secret to a long life doesn’t have to be so complicated. There are many simple things everyone can do to slow down time and feel younger.
Older adults who follow healthy diets accumulate chronic diseases more slowly – new study
People who consistently ate a healthy diet developed chronic diseases more slowly, in contrast to those whose diets were considered more inflammatory; that is, diets high in processed meats, refined grains and sugary drinks.
Sweet spot for daily steps is lower than often thought, new study finds
Jack McNamara, University of East London Your fitness tracker might be lying to you. That 10,000-step target flashing on your wrist? It didn’t come from decades of careful research. It came from a Japanese walking club and a marketing campaign…
Family and friends shoulder the real cost of dementia − $224B in unpaid care
Our first-of-its-kind estimate of dementia care costs by state also revealed dramatic cost disparities by geography. In the District of Columbia, the average annual cost for a person living with dementia – including both medical spending and the cost of unpaid care – is $37,000, while in West Virginia it is $61,000.
The leading risk factor for cancer isn’t what you think
If you were to ask most people what causes cancer, the answer would probably be smoking, alcohol, the sun, hair dye or some other avoidable element. But the most important risk factor for cancer is something else: aging.
Japanese walking: the benefits of this fitness trend
A fitness trend known as Japanese walking is capturing attention online, promising major health benefits with minimal equipment and time.
Why do cuts to Medicaid matter for Americans over 65? Two experts on aging explain why lives are at stakeWhy do cuts to Medicaid matter for Americans over 65?
People who lost their Medicaid coverage had more chronic conditions and could perform fewer activities of daily living, such as bathing and getting dressed, without any assistance as compared with those who still had Medicaid coverage. In addition, they were twice as likely to experience depression and be in fair or poor health. As people’s health worsened, they also went to the hospital more often and stayed there longer. They also used outpatient surgery services more frequently.
Why do some people get a curved back as they age and what can I do to avoid it?
Older adults often develop a curved back, known as age-related kyphosis or hyperkyphosis.
Why sitting down – and getting back up – might be the most important health test you do today
If you or someone you love finds it difficult to stand up without using your hands, it might seem like a small issue. But in health and ageing, this movement – known as the “sit-to-stand” – can be a red flag. It’s one of the strongest indicators of frailty, a condition that can threaten independence and quality of life.
Five reasons why young-onset dementia is often missed
While most cases of dementia are diagnosed in older adults, about 7% of cases occur in people under 65.
Here’s a simple, science-backed way to sharpen your thinking and improve your memory
Activities such as walking or cycling can increase the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.
Slowing Sarcopenia
You can take steps to prevent too much muscle loss and weakness as you age. Getting enough physical activity is key.
Midlife eating patterns tied to health decades later
People who ate healthier diets in midlife were more likely to live into their 70s without major chronic disease.
Maintaining mobility with aging means planning ahead
Older people often miss or ignore signs that their own mobility is waning, because it typically happens gradually.