Posts Tagged ‘exercise’
Even Age 80 Is Not Too Late to Begin Exercising
Even seniors who never exercised regularly can benefit from a workout program, researchers say. A new study found that men in their 70s and 80s who had never followed an exercise regimen could build muscle mass as well as “master athletes” — those of the same age who had worked out throughout their lives and…
Read MoreHow to Help Your Heart Weather Extreme Heat
As extreme heat events become more common, you need to know how to protect your heart. Hot temperatures and high humidity can lead to dehydration, which causes the heart to work harder and puts it at risk, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Staying hydrated makes it easier for the heart to pump blood…
Read MoreThe Lifelong Health Benefits of Intimacy
Much research has explored the mental and physical health benefits of maintaining social contacts well into later life. Studies also show that maintaining sexual health can have profound benefits that may include slowing down the aging process. Besides the exercise value of sex, research has found that sexual pleasure and intimacy may help ease everyday…
Read MoreSenior Falls a Key Factor for Hospital Readmission
Fall-related injuries are a major reason why seniors are readmitted to the hospital within a month after being discharged, a new study finds. “Falls are a trifecta in terms of reasons why they need an increased focus,” said principal investigator Geoffrey Hoffman, an assistant professor in the University of Michigan’s School of Nursing. “They are…
Read MoreMorning Exercise Kick-Starts Seniors’ Brains
Want a quick brain boost? A morning session of exercise and short walks throughout the day provide a number of brain benefits for older adults, a new study says. The findings show that people should avoid uninterrupted sitting to maintain good mental function throughout the day. The study also indicates that moderate-intensity exercise such as…
Read MoreEven a Little More Exercise Might Help Your Brain Stay Young
Alzheimer’s and dementia are not an inevitable part of normal aging, and a little exercise might help keep them at bay, a new study suggests. The researchers found that every hour of light exercise on top of recommended weekly levels of more intense activity reduced brain aging by about a year. “This study emphasizes the…
Read MoreAmericans’ Pets Help Ease the Aging Process, Poll Finds
Richard McIntosh hadn’t had any pets since his childhood farm dogs, but then he started a relationship with a competitive dog trainer and found his life filled with Golden Retrievers. Now McIntosh, 59, of Cornelius, Ore., can’t imagine growing old without a dog or two by his side. “There was a little something missing from…
Read MoreOne Short, Brisk Walk a Day May Keep Arthritis at Bay
Less than 10 minutes a day of a brisk walk can help prevent disability in people with arthritis pain in their knee, hip, ankle or foot, researchers report. Just one hour a week of brisk physical activity “is less than 10 minutes a day for people to maintain their independence. It’s very doable,” said lead…
Read MoreMove More, Live Longer
If you’re a couch potato, better move. Your life could depend on it. Researchers say replacing 30 minutes a day of sitting with physical activity could cut your risk of premature death by nearly half. They examined 14 years of data on inactivity and activity with more than 92,500 people in an American Cancer Society…
Read MoreAttention, Seniors: Drink More Water and Head Off Disease
Not drinking enough water is a common but under-recognized problem among American seniors that puts their health at risk, researchers say. “So many health issues are related to inadequate hydration,” including urinary tract and respiratory infections, frequent falls and other problems, said study author Janet Mentes. She’s a professor of nursing at the University of…
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