Healthy aging and longevity Archive

In a 2025 study of more than 221,000 people followed for more than 30 years, scientists calculated that swapping about a tablespoon of butter per day for about two teaspoons of olive, soybean, or canola oil was tied to a 17% reduction in premature death.

A 2024 study indicated that adults 65 and older with major depression are more likely to exhibit risky driving behaviors such as speeding, hard braking, and hard cornering.

In the last few years, the prescribing rate for zolpidem, a popular sleeping pill, has been declining in favor of the "off-label" use of an antidepressant called trazodone, which is known for its ability to make people drowsy. But doctors are concerned that trazodone hasn't been well studied for insomnia, it is not FDA-approved to treat the condition, and there are sparse data showing that it is safe or that it works for patients with insomnia. Experts advise choosing medications based on a patient's specific needs, not a trend.

A 2025 review of 10 randomized controlled trials (involving about 300 people) found that those who took part in two or three one-hour water aerobics classes weekly for at least 10 weeks lost up to 6 pounds and trimmed their waists by about an inch.

Certain medications can leave people more vulnerable to heat-related effects or the sun's rays. The medications can raise the risk of dehydration, make people sweat too much or too little, impair the body's ability to regulate temperature, or raise the risk of getting a bad sunburn. In addition, higher temperatures may damage some medicines, including diuretics, blood pressure drugs, some antidepressants, thyroid replacement hormones, and some over-the-counter antihistamines.

Older adults are especially vulnerable to heat-related ailments like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The primary reason is biological, as aging bodies can't maintain a steady internal body temperature when external conditions change. Heart conditions and heart medications can add to the problem. Older adults can protect themselves from heat ailments by taking standard precautions during hot weather and recognizing the early symptoms of ailments so they can seek immediate treatment.

Dancing is a popular leisure activity. Evidence suggests dance boasts all the same benefits as other forms of consistent aerobic exercise: lowering blood pressure, building muscle and bone, increasing aerobic capacity, reducing anxiety, and improving depression symptoms. Dance can also counter loneliness and isolation and be easier to stick with than exercise that's more repetitive. People who want to try dance can frame it as a hobby instead of exercise, take a group class, and modify dance movements to accommodate pain or limited mobility.

A bird flu strain that began circulating in 2020 continues to evolve globally and locally within the United States. If you're wondering what this means, understanding the basics - what bird flu is, how it spreads, whether foods are safe, and prevention tips - can help.

If you've ever had food poisoning caused by Salmonella bacteria, you know it's unpleasant but typically goes away within two to three days. You may not know that these bacteria sicken more than a million people in the US each year - and can be deadly for some. You can take steps to avoid getting sick.