Healthy aging and longevity Archive

Sleep comes in two different forms: REM (dreaming) and non‑REM (quiet) sleep. In quiet sleep, your brain shifts from chaotic awake activity into calm, rhythmic waves as if a switch has been flipped. In a healthy night, you glide through three deepening stages of non‑REM (N1, N2, N3 slow‑wave sleep) before diving into vivid REM dreams.

A 2026 national survey suggested that half of all American adults under 50—and 35% of older adults—get health information from social media influencers or podcasters, the minority of whom are health care professionals. People should be skeptical of any advice from these sources.

A 2026 research review and analysis suggested that consuming more soy products and other legumes was associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure.

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by too much uric acid, which leaves the bloodstream and settles in joints. Uric acid crystals can form in joints, causing redness, swelling and pain—a gout flare. Drugs taken over a long term can lower uric acid levels and prevent flares.

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots can answer medical questions, but they don’t replace the medical judgment of doctors. For patients, AI is currently most useful for understanding medical conditions, explaining doctor’s notes and lab reports, and helping to prepare for doctor visits.

After most types of surgery, early and increased walking appears to support a smoother recovery. A 2026 study found that increased daily steps above pre-surgery levels were linked with shorter hospital stays, lower complication rates, and fewer readmissions.

Beyond familiar kettlebell exercises such as kettlebell swings, many lesser-known kettlebell moves can create a full-body workout. Examples include around-the-world passes, bottoms-up kettlebell carries, and kettlebell deadlifts.

A high ankle sprain is a type of injury to the lower leg. It commonly occurs when there is a sudden twisting movement of the foot away from the body that tears the ligaments attached to the lower leg bones, above the ankle joint.

Many strategies can help people avoid falls in public places. For example, people can wear shoes with nonslip treads in stores and office buildings, use a rollator for stability in crowded areas such as airports or shopping malls, hold handrails on public staircases (or avoid them), avoid parking too close to vehicles in parking lots, or use the handicap stall in public bathrooms. Another important strategy is regularly strengthening leg and core muscles and practicing balance exercises (such as standing on one leg).

People’s energy levels typically decrease later in life as a result of aging, illness, or other factors. Fortunately, a healthier lifestyle can boost energy. That involves eating a diet low in added sugars and processed foods, getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night, managing stress, getting lots of aerobic exercise, and strengthening the muscles. Using physical energy frugally is another useful strategy. For example, it helps to perform activities at a slow, steady pace instead of a fast pace; to break activities into small tasks instead of one large job; and to rest between tasks.