Healthy aging and longevity Archive

Traveling long or short distances can be tricky for people who have incontinence. Certain strategies can help: avoiding bladder irritants (such as caffeinated or carbonated drinks), practicing urge suppression techniques, speaking with a doctor about medications that can ease an overactive bladder, wearing clothes with easy-to-use fasteners, wearing "bladder leak" underwear, packing important supplies such as a change of clothes or a portable urinal, using bathroom locator apps, and scheduling bathroom breaks.

Three strategies can help decrease the number of days one must devote to medical appointments. The first is eliminating unneeded care, such as screening tests for people at low risk for certain conditions. The second strategy is coordinating various doctor visits, tests, or imaging for the same day. The third strategy is using telemedicine in place of appointments that would normally happen in person, such as mental health care visits or routine appointments for diabetes or high blood pressure.

In 2024, the FDA advised against using smart watches or smart rings that claim to monitor blood sugar without piercing the skin. Using them, the FDA warned, could result in inaccurate blood sugar measurements, which is dangerous for people with diabetes.

The loss of muscle mass begins in one's 30s and accelerates after age 60. A loss of upper-body strength can make it more difficult to complete daily activities, and it may also increase the risk for muscle injury during an activity that involves reaching. A physical therapy program can help increase muscle mass in older age. Such a program typically involves gentle stretching to keep muscles supple, plus strengthening exercises like triceps curls, with low amounts of weight (just a few pounds) and a high number of repetitions.

Exfoliation - the process of removing dead cells from the skin's outer layer - can make skin glow, help even out coloring, and offer other benefits, but it can also irritate or inflame. Which products should you choose and how often can you exfoliate?

Because metabolic syndrome boosts the risk of developing several serious health problems, a troubling rise in rates of occurrence of metabolic syndrome among certain segments of the US population is of great concern.

A survey found that one-third of couples reported occasionally or regularly sleeping in separate rooms to accommodate a bed partner. The main motivation behind separate sleeping is to ensure both people get a good night's rest, as sleep can get disrupted by a partner's snoring, teeth grinding, thrashing, sleep schedule, and different sleeping environments. Couples should work together to ensure sleeping apart does not interfere with intimacy, such as scheduling snuggle time, taking naps together, and planning times for sexual activity.

Most older men live with some prostate cancer. However, only a small number will develop aggressive cancer that affects their quality of life. Certain habits might lower men's risk, like eating a plant-based diet, doing vigorous activity, and having frequent ejaculations.

The foundation of a healthy lifestyle consists of lasting habits like eating right, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, managing mental health, and getting routine medical and wellness exams. Even making daily, small steps toward these goals can have a significant impact. Everyday strategies include doing morning stretching, taking regular naps, breathing exercises to manage stress, caring for skin and teeth, and being social.

A 2023 study suggests that older adults who exercise with their spouses might be less physically active than those who exercise on their own.