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Healthy aging and longevity Archive

Articles

Move of the month: Double knee torso rotation

A double knee torso rotation stretches the back, chest, hips, and outer thighs. It also strengthens and stabilizes the core muscles, which are vital for good form and function in many sports.

Heat-related illnesses are on the rise

The incidence of heat-related ailments, such as heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, has risen over the past five years, according to a 2022 analysis. People ages 65 and older were at the highest risk compared with other age groups, and men were affected more than women.

Try this: Build better biceps

Performing regular biceps curls can build stronger biceps muscles and help older men with lifting, carrying, and holding heavy objects.

Man's best (health) friend

Adopting a dog is one of the best ways for older adults to combat many common health issues. Research has shown that dog owners have lower risks of cardiovascular disease and take more daily steps compared with non-owners. Having a dog also can lower stress levels and help people become more social.

Walking advice from a master walker

Dr. Alan Poisner, 88, is one of the country's most decorated master-level walkers. He holds several National Senior Games records. A medical researcher, he also has a long career exploring the physiology of walking, especially among older adults. Here, he shares his decades-long advice for beginner and novice walkers, from how to stay motivated to the best ways to elevate one's workouts.

Putting your best feet forward

Most older adults can expect to walk more than 100,000 miles during their lifetime, which can take a toll on their feet. With regular foot care, people can address most everyday foot issues like calluses, blisters, and fungus infections. But older adults also need to be mindful about certain problems that can impede their foot health and make mobility difficult, such as heel pain, flat feet, and osteoarthritis.

Do past lifestyle habits affect future health?

The health risks of using tobacco and overusing alcohol begin to drop within days after a person stops using them. However, how past usage may affect a person's longevity is difficult to predict.

Home-based cardiac rehab may cut deaths by more than a third

A 2023 study found that a 12-week home-based cardiac rehab program may lower a person's risk of dying over the next few years. Cardiac rehab, a program designed to help people recover from heart-related problems, is traditionally done at a medical facility.

Social challenges such as isolation linked to earlier death

A 2023 study suggests that certain social challenges, such as isolation, may be useful to help predict older adults' risk of earlier death.

Healthy habits might ward off long COVID

A 2023 study suggests that women who practice many aspects of a healthy lifestyle are about half as likely as women who don't to experience persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection.

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