If you feel like your sleep isn’t what it used to be, you’re probably right. Even healthy aging is associated with changes in sleep patterns like shorter sleep duration, less deep sleep and more frequent awakenings throughout the night. But it’s not all bad. In fact, despite these typical shifts, healthy older adults tend to …
Falls are a leading cause of serious injuries in older adults that can lead to hospitalization, nursing home admission, and even death among older people. The chance of falling increases as we get older. Health problems such as arthritis, heart disease, muscle weakness, poor balance or vision, foot problems, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and even certain …
Toni Stahl was still hitting the gym well past her 100th birthday. The centenarian worked out three times a week, enjoying balance and strength conditioning the most. She also loved the friendships she made there. “I do as I feel, and I like to stay active and be around people,” said Stahl, who was at Pearl Harbor …
Read more “More People Are Living Longer, and Movement Is the Key”
Does your overall diet and the specific foods you eat affect how you sleep? There’s some evidence that eating a balanced diet promotes good shut-eye, but experts say a lot of the details are still unknown. If you’ve ever tossed and turned in bed after a spicy meal gave you reflux or some deep-fried food …
What’s in a name? Well, if it’s osteoporosis, osteopenia and osteoarthritis, for starters, a shared prefix. “Osteo” means bone, and that matching descriptor also spells confusion for many seniors, who are disproportionately affected by each of the conditions. Besides sounding similar, a major shared risk factor for the development of these chronic conditions is aging. Osteopenia …
Read more “Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis and Osteopenia: What’s the Difference?”
The human body is an incredibly complex machine. Most of the time, all the parts work correctly, with various gears and components clicking in harmony. But occasionally, something gets out of whack. When this happens, the guardian of the machine – the immune system – can get turned around and begin attacking the body it …
Weight loss for seniors is a popular topic, and for good reason – losing weight is difficult at any age, but it’s not impossible. The formula for healthy weight becomes more complex as we get older, thanks to changes in our metabolism, nutritional needs and overall physical state. However, with the right approach to eating …
Sleep generally comes with a host of health benefits, but overdoing it is associated with health risks and could indicate an underlying condition. There’s no debating that we need sleep. It’s crucial for our mental and physical health, quality of life, and overall safety, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Proper sleep not …
Read more “Are You Sleeping Too Much? Here’s How to Tell (and Why It Can Be Risky)”
New research shows cause and effect in aging Americans. The detrimental effects of smoking on overall health are well-documented, but new research suggests that seniors who light up well into their sixties may be tampering with their brain health and cognition. If you’re a senior who smokes but is otherwise healthy and free of type …
Read more “Smoking Speeds Cognitive Decline in Seniors, Study Warns”
Cognitive health — the ability to clearly think, learn, and remember — is an important component of performing everyday activities. Cognitive health is just one aspect of overall brain health. What Is Brain Health? Brain health refers to how well a person’s brain functions across several areas. Aspects of brain health include: Cognitive health — …