Exercise and Cognition in Seniors
A group of 1635 seniors were randomly assigned to receive either a structured, moderate-intensity program of physical activity (walking, flexibility, resistance training) or health education workshops and upper-body stretching for two years. Researchers did not find any significant difference between the groups in either cognitive improvement or less mild cognitive impairment. This two-year study should not be understood to suggest a…
Read MoreRun So You Won’t Stand Still
Researchers studied adults over 65 who either jogged or walked a minimum of 30 minutes, 3 times a week. The joggers could walk up to 10% more efficiently than those who only walked. In fact, when walking, those who usually jogged burned energy like young adults in their 20’s. The energy required to walk increases…
Read MoreDepression Predictor of Alzheimers?
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. There is little to be done for treatment so prevention is key. Researchers know that a buildup of the brain protein beta-amyloid is predictive of Alzheimer's. When comparing depressed and non-depressed patients amongst 371 people, researchers found that patients classified with severe depression had a 15% increase…
Read MoreHealth Risks of Home Care
Home-based health care is often a preferable alternative to costly, uncomfortable long-term hospital care. However, a recent analysis raises concerns to watch for if you or a loved one use home care. Researchers found the infection rates ranged from 5% to 80% in different home settings. Untrained workers and unsterile catheters were common causes, particularly…
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 MoreKeeping the Mind Spry
Senior residents of Olmstead County, MN who reported getting any amount of moderate exercise and used a computer at any point in the previous year were 64% less likely to have mild cognitive impairment compared to those who reported neither of those activities. This is the first study to explore the combined effects of physical activity…
Read MoreModerate Exercise Reduces Onset of Arthritis Symptoms
The Australian Longitudinal Study of Women followed two groups of women (ages 48-55 and 72-79) for three years who had reported no arthritis symptoms. Those exercising 1.5 hours per week experienced significantly less arthritis symptoms, and 2.5 hours per week showed an even greater preventive effect. Moderately active middle age women reduced their risk by 29%…
Read MoreVolunteering Promotes Health in Older Adults
Seniors who volunteered in elementary schools teaching children to read for 15 hours a week for 9 months, were found to have better physical condition than before volunteering. Those in fair health prior to volunteering improved the greatest, with improved strength and energy, walking speed and stair-climbing.PositiveTip: Volunteering to help others improves both mental and physical vitality of seniors.
Read MoreNew Exercise Guide for Seniors
You read and hear it everywhere: we all need more physical activity! Have you wondered how to get it and what to do? The National Institutes on Aging (NIA) has updated its very popular exercise guide for those over 55 years of age. It is also applicable for those younger as well--you will reach 55…
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