Healthy eating for older adults Archive

Ask the doctors

Q. I'm in my early 50s and am considering a knee replacement for severe arthritis. I've heard that doctors typically encourage people to wait until after age 60 to perform this procedure. Should I wait to have the surgery?

A. Doctors do sometimes recommend that people under age 60 wait to undergo a knee replacement procedure, because these artificial joints typically last only about 15 to 20 years. If someone younger gets the procedure, it's likely that the joint will need to be replaced again down the line. That said, the decision to have a joint replacement really depends more on your individual circumstances, such as how much pain you have, whether the problem is causing you significant disability, and your overall health, not just how old you are. Some people can safely wait until they are 60 to undergo the procedure without a problem. For others, waiting too long to have the knee replaced might not be advised. For example, if the knee joint deteriorates too much, that may make the surgery to replace it more challenging. Over all, most people (80% to 90%) who do opt for a knee replacement are happy with the results of the procedure, but it's best to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.

Inaccurate health information is pervasive. Here's how to find out if what you're reading is true.

From conspiracy theories about COVID-19 to unsubstantiated or even dangerous product claims, false health information is everywhere these days. This includes both misinformation (incorrect statements spread by someone who essentially doesn't know better) and disinformation (false information being spread deliberately by a bad actor to promote an agenda).

"Health misinformation and disinformation have always been with us. It's nothing new," says Kasisomayajula Viswanath, Lee Kum Kee professor of health communication at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "We had snake-oil salesmen when advertising began. But what's different this time around is the scale." Both mass media and social media are allowing bad information to reach large swaths of people quickly, making it difficult for many people to differentiate the good from the bad.

The yoga routine "ten churnings" can be done on its own to help you get moving in the morning or to counteract stiffness after sitting for too long. In about six minutes, the routine can loosen up your joints and serve as a warm-up to a longer exercise session. To learn additional intermediate yoga exercises, visit: www.health.harvard.edu/iy

Body mass index is commonly used to assess a person’s weight status and health risk, but it does not indicate how much fat a person has or how it is distributed throughout the body — indicators of metabolic health. A recent study analyzed different measures of body shape to determine which are most predictive of premature death.

Reduce indoor allergens that can trigger respiratory problems and other issues.

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It may feel cozy being sealed in tight against the cold in your home during the chillier months of the year, but for people who are sensitive to indoor allergens or have respiratory problems, winter can exacerbate problems. Stale indoor air and heating systems can increase the amount of allergy-inducing dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores circulating through your house. In late winter and early spring, it may still be too chilly to throw open the windows to pull out the musty air, so while you await the warmer weather it's important to be aware of some of the allergy and respiratory triggers that may be lurking in your surroundings.

"Most of the things that cause problems are odorless," says Dr. Nicholas BuSaba, associate professor of otolaryng­ology at Harvard ­Medical School. "So, in many cases there's nothing to alert you to the problem." That is, there's nothing other than the symptoms these allergens can trigger — such as respiratory problems (including asthma flare-ups), fatigue and sleepiness, or even digestive issues.

They're great as a substitute for a dumbbell, but a risky choice for some exercises.

When you want to add strength training to your routine, wearable weights seem like a handy shortcut. Just slip them on and do your regular workout. But it's not that simple. "They're great for specific exercises, but they have some risks," says Terry Downey, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network.

Ankle weights

You may see people walking around with weights around their ankles. The weights are typically built into a wide neoprene strap that wraps around the ankle and attaches with Velcro.

Here's what the research says about diet and depression.

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If you've ever found yourself in front of the TV after a bad day, mindlessly digging ice cream out of the container with a spoon, you know that mood and food are sometimes linked. But while stress eating is a verified phenomenon, the relationship between food and actual mood disorders, such as depression, is less clear. Or, to put it another way: can the things you eat influence your risk for depression — and can dietary changes potentially improve your mental health?

"The research regarding dietary factors and depression is still inconclusive," says Patricia Chocano-Bedoya, a visiting scientist in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. But there have been hints that food may play a role in depression.

The foods you eat (and don't) can determine how well your body fights painful inflammation.

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It's been said that you are what you eat, and that's definitely true when it comes to chronic pain.

"A lot of chronic pain is the result of chronic inflammation, and the evidence is quite strong that your diet can contribute to increased systemic inflammation," says Dr. Fred Tabung, a visiting researcher with the Department of Nutrition at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "But your diet is also one of the best ways to reduce it."