Healthy aging and longevity Archive

There is little evidence that dietary supplements marketed as performance enhancers do more than following a well-balanced diet. Two nutrients that can help people during extended exercise are carbohydrates and caffeine.

Leg strength becomes even more vital as people age, as the legs are essential for routine movements such as going up and down stairs, sitting and rising from chairs, bending over and standing up, and protecting against falls. The main leg muscles are gluteals, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Some exercises that can help strengthen these muscles are bridges, step-ups, and heel raises.

A 2025 study suggests that consuming higher amounts of flavonoids such as berries, apples, oranges, and black tea may promote healthier aging, particularly in women.

A variety of health conditions can be influenced by sleep position. Side sleeping helps people breathe easier, hampers heartburn, and is safer during pregnancy, but it may aggravate joint pain. Back sleeping keeps the spine straighter, but can intensify breathing problems, worsen heartburn, and cause other problems during pregnancy. People should talk to their doctor if they have a health condition that could be affected by the way they sleep, but otherwise can sleep in the position that is most comfortable for them.

No evidence suggests that nicotine patches promote weight loss. Nicotine suppresses appetite but also raises health risks such as high blood pressure and narrowed arteries. People can talk to a doctor about medically supervised weight loss.

People have a 50% chance of developing at least one mental health disorder by age 75, according to some research. Among men, the most common are alcohol use disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders, with social anxiety disorder being the most prevalent of those. Many men miss the early warning signs of these disorders, or when they do, they often try to push through, which can worsen the symptoms. But identifying when they might have a problem is the first step toward seeking help.

A 2025 study suggests that owning a dog or cat may help slow cognitive decline as people age.

X-rays can detect a broken bone, dislocation, or joint problem. People should seek an x-ray if an injury results in severe pain; severe or persistent swelling or bruising; difficulty moving or bearing weight; or a noticeable deformity.