Older Danes Seem to be Getting Sharper
Good news for those getting older! A Danish cohort study has found that men and women born in 1915 were mentally sharper in 2010 (age 94 and 95) compared to those born in 1905 and assessed in 1998 (age 92 and 93). The 1915 cohort also had significantly better activities of daily living scores than did…
Read MoreEndurance Exercise Aids Elderly
Early research from Norway suggests that endurance training in older individuals may help regulate the length of telomeres in old age, thus slowing the aging process. Telomeres are the caps on chromosomes that are potential markers of biological aging. The Norwegian researchers also found that telomere length is positively associated with VO2max. However, the small sample…
Read MoreBP Meds Up Hip Fractures in Elderly
The risk of fracturing a hip is significantly higher during the first 45 days of antihypertensive treatment than before or after. A large Canadian study of older adults found that this risk was consistent for all classes of anti-hypertensives, and is thought to be caused by dizziness, fainting, or syncope. PositiveTip: While blood pressure medications may be…
Read MoreAt-home and Group Exercise Cuts Falls in Seniors
Group and home-based exercise programs decrease the risk of falling among the elderly living in the community according to a large review and meta-analysis. Group exercise decreased the risk of falling by 15% compared to no exercise, and at-home activities reduced the risk by 22%. Targeting at least two of the following factors was effective in reducing…
Read MoreImmune System and Vaccine Failure in the Elderly
Advancing age brings a decline in immune system function. Regular exercise helps improves immune function in seniors, leading to a reduced rate of infections and the deaths they cause, and increases vaccine effectiveness.PositiveTip: Multiple short daily walks can improve immune response to annual flu shots.
Read MorePhysical Activity Can Reverse Brain Loss in Elderly
A group of 120 older adults were randomly assigned between two groups: the first group had three moderate aerobic workouts a week, and the second group only stretched for the same amount of time. MRI imaging and memory tests were done at the beginning, after 6 months and after 1 year. Those who only stretched…
Read MoreIt’s Never Too Late to Lower Your Risk of Cancer
Does your potential cancer risk scare you? You are not alone! A recent survey by the American Institute for Cancer Research has found the majority of Americans over 70 years old do not know that cancer risk increases with age. Also, many older Americans think there is nothing they can do to reduce their risk.…
Read MoreGood Health Essential to Quality Sexual Activity in Older Adults
A University of Chicago study has revealed that middle-aged and older men and women who perceive themselves to be in very good health are significantly more likely to have a greater interest in sexual activity, as well as having more satisfying sexual experiences.Men seem to lose more years of sexual activity than women as a…
Read MoreCombination of Diet and Exercise Potent in Preventing Dementia
We all know diet and exercise are important. New research suggests the combination of both may be particularly beneficial in lowering the risk of dementia. In a five-year prospective cohort study of elderly in New York, both high physical activity and high adherence to a Mediterranean diet (high intake of fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, and…
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