longevity
Walk Faster, Live Longer
Posted by Elvin Adams on
A study just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) examined the walking speed of older adults to see how it affected their life expectancy. The study analyzed the results of nine other scientific studies as well.
All nine studies combined together totaled more than 34,000 senior adults, 65 years of age and older. Their average age was 73. Sixty percent were women, and 80% were white. This group was followed for 6 to 21 years. In all the studies there were 17,528 deaths.
Researchers measured walking speed at the beginning of the study, by timing subjects at their normal, comfortable walking pace for a distance of about 13 feet.
Normal walking requires teamwork in the body starting with the muscles, bones, and joints. Its also a workout of the heart, lungs, and circulation, coordinated by nerves and the brain.
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A "Longevity Gene" May Protect Against Cognitive Decline
Posted by Fred Hardinge on
Long-life may indeed be in the genes
The genetics of late-life dementia, although complex, are getting a lot of attention these days. The gene for chlolesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) codes for a specific amino acid within the human genome. A majority of those who live beyond 100 have valine at codon 405 and lower cardiovascular risk. A prospective study of 523 individuals over 70 has revealed this polymorphism of valine to isoleucine may also protect from dementia. Much more work remains to be accomplished before we can be certain there is a Methuselah genotype.
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Being a Little More Fit Will Improve Your Longevity
Posted by Fred Hardinge on
Study shows being a little more fit than couch potatoes gives large benefit to longevity.
New research has underscored the surprising importance of being a "little more fit". In this study 4384 healthy people were divided into five levels of fitness. This research focused only on the differences between the least fit (Q1) and the next level of fitness (Q2). Amazingly, those in Q2 demonstrated almost half the mortality of those in Q1. Being even a little more fit was associated with a big jump in longevity. While overall activity levels didn't vary much during the subjects adult lives, recent activity did. This recent physical activity seemed to offer the benefit.
PositiveTip: Get off the couch, start moving, and keep moving--it should add years to your life!