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Healthy aging and longevity Archive

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A combination of healthy diets linked with longer life

People who follow a combination of healthy diet plans that share similar traits may have a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Walking breaks counter the effects of sitting

Doing five minutes of light walking for every 30 minutes of sitting can help offset the harmful effects of sitting for long periods.

The buddy system

Loneliness is one of the greatest health risks facing older adults. The antidote to loneliness is more social engagement. Developing new friendships and maintaining existing ones is one of the best ways for people to remain socially active. Recreating the environments and settings where men first built long-lasting friendships, like the workplace and sports, can help them find friends and expand their social circle.

The weighty issue of heart disease

The rates of heart disease among men are predicted to rise significantly by 2060. The primary reason is America's rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. While controlling calorie intake and increasing activity are the two best strategies for weight loss, another effective method is hospital-based weight management programs that offer a team of physicians, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, life coaches, and counselors who provide instruction, guidance, and support for weight management.

Gearing up for electric bikes

Electronic bikes, also known as e-bikes, use a small electric motor to make pedaling easier. They assist riders with the most challenging parts of cycling, like climbing hills or covering longer distances. This enables people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy cycling. There are many styles of e-bikes available, and the choice depends on where and how a person plans to ride.

Should I take afternoon naps?

Taking regular afternoon naps for less than 60 minutes can improve mental alertness and increase productivity.

Can varied social interactions boost well-being?

A 2022 study suggested that having diverse social interactions is linked to improved happiness and well-being. In other words, it appears to be helpful to interact with family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers; the more varied the interactions are, the better.

Medicare extends coverage of telehealth through 2024

In December 2022, Congress extended Medicare coverage of telehealth visits through the end of 2024. The extension will also cover telehealth visits with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.

Are you napping too much?

Napping for  more than 30 minutes each day may be associated with increased risks for health problems. Causes of excessive napping include boredom, poor sleep at night, underlying conditions such as anemia or depression, medication side effects, dehydration, or malnutrition. Treating underlying conditions, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, becoming more active, and practicing good sleep hygiene may help reduce prolonged nap times.

Easier ways to take non-pill medications

Some medications, such as eye drops or inhalers, can be used with gadgets that make taking them easier. The devices might be especially helpful for someone with shaky or weak hands. Examples of gadgets that might help include eye drop guides, injection aids, inhaler spacers, and tube squeezers. The guides can help improve one’s grip, aim, or ability to squeeze out medication. Having better control may help a person take the correct amount of the drug.

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