Healthy aging and longevity Archive

A busy schedule can make it challenging to adhere to heart-healthy habits, but there are steps you can take that don't require much time and can fit easily into almost anyone's life.

Growing evidence suggests that poor sleep is linked to a host of health problems, including a higher risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Now, a recent study on people in midlife finds that having a combination of sleep problems may nearly triple a person's risk of heart disease.

Online patient portals enable people to see their medical records, communicate with their doctors, and more. This improved access has advantages along some with potential pitfalls, which can be avoided.

Appetite tends to decline with age, but this can lead to unwanted weight loss and frailty. Tips to boost a weak appetite include eating smaller, more frequent meals; prioritizing protein; staying active; making meals social and pleasurable; and relaxing overly strict dietary rules.

Sleep architecture is the pattern and sequence of sleep cycles and stages. People cycle through four to six periods of light and deep sleep each night. Aging, stress, illness, and alcohol consumption can influence people’s sleep architecture.

A 2026 study suggested that helping care for grandchildren can offer cognitive benefits, helping older adults maintain stronger memory and language skills. Grandmothers who helped with childcare-related tasks also showed less overall cognitive decline over time than non-caregiving peers.

Data from apps or wearable devices can help people spot patterns, track changes, and notice potential problems earlier—information that’s valuable both between and during clinician appointments.

Adjusting to bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses can be challenging. Unlike traditional glasses, these versions include two or more vision zones. Because people use different parts of the lens for different tasks, objects can seem slightly distorted when they move their eyes.

A 2026 study of over 5,400 women ages 63 and older found that stronger grip strength and faster chair stand times were linked to lower risk of death over eight years. Risk fell by 15% for each 7-kilogram increase in grip strength and by 9% for each 6-second improvement in chair stand time.