Healthy aging and longevity Archive

A study published online April 20, 2021, by the journal Nature Communications suggests thatgetting too little sleep in midlife increases the risk for dementia later in life. Researchers analyzed the sleep data of 8,000 middle-aged adults who were followed for 25 years. People who slept six hours per night at age 50 were 22% more likely to develop dementia, compared with people who slept seven hours. People who slept six hours per night at age 60 were 37% more likely to develop dementia, compared with people who slept seven hours. The study was observational and can't prove causation.

Vegetarians can ensure they are getting enough iron in their diets by eating iron-rich foods such as beans, tofu, and dark leafy greens.

Earwax traps dust and tiny particles and helps prevent objects from reaching the eardrum. As earwax dries, it moves out of the canal naturally, but sometimes it builds up. Commercial ear drops, hydrogen peroxide, baby oil, and mineral oil can help soften hardened wax for easy removal.

Eye floaters occur when the thick, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye form blobs that block incoming light. They might resemble spots, cobwebs, or strings. The sudden appearance of new floaters should prompt a call to your doctor, but most often they become less bothersome over time.