All articles tagged with #older adults
ACE CEO Cedric X. Bryant says older adults using GLP-1 weight-loss meds should prioritize preserving strength, physical function and lean mass through regular resistance training (2-3 days/week; six-to-ten exercises; 1-3 sets; 8-15 reps) and adequate protein (roughly 1.2-1.6 g/kg/day), with targets tailored by age and health; programming should be individualized and safety-conscious, especially for those in their 70s and beyond.
An 18-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 47 adults aged 60+ found daily intake of maitake mushroom paste (Y10M strain) improved overall MoCA scores and memory, with a rise in natural killer (NK) cell activity that correlated with cognitive gains; a second strain (C5304) showed no such improvement. The results hint at an immune-mediated mechanism linking maitake polysaccharides to cognitive preservation, but the study's small size and variability call for larger trials before changing dietary guidance.
A 24-week study of 141 adults aged 65+ found that whey protein supplementation, with or without potassium bicarbonate, did not improve muscle strength, suggesting that for healthy older adults, resistance training is more effective at preserving strength and function; researchers note that protein alone, at recommended intake, isn’t enough and future work should explore combining exercise with protein.
A Colorado study of 169 adults aged 60+ found that older first-time cannabis users mainly seek relief from pain, sleep problems, and mental health concerns to improve quality of life, not to get high. They often rely on word-of-mouth rather than healthcare providers, and many favor CBD–THC combination edibles—the so-called 'Goldilocks option'—as a balanced approach. The findings point to a need for better patient–provider information and clinical tools to guide safe, effective use, especially as legal and regulatory contexts vary by state.
Eccentric exercise—the muscle-lengthening phase of a movement—can build strength and even size with lower energy cost and perceived effort, making it a practical option for older adults and beginners. It enables greater mechanical loading with less fatigue, may benefit brain health, and can be started with simple moves (chair squats, wall push-ups, heel drops) or downhill walking, then progressed gradually to minimize soreness via the repeated bout effect.
For adults over 60 new to strength training, six scalable bodyweight exercises—bodyweight squat, push-ups, step-ups, plank and side planks, chin-ups, and split squat—offer a practical entry to build muscle and functional strength without using weights. Backed by a PT, the moves boost multi-joint strength, balance, and core stability, with progression from simpler to more challenging versions. While significant muscle gains over time may require added resistance, this approach provides a solid foundation and real-life benefits like improved daily function and fall prevention.
Edith Cowan University researchers show that eccentric (muscle-lengthening) training can boost muscle size and strength more efficiently than high-effort workouts. By slowing the lowering phase, you can gain more strength with less energy, and just five minutes a day of simple at-home moves like chair squats, heel drops, and wall push-ups can improve strength and health, especially for older adults, with no gym required.
A Texas A&M study using Oura Rings found that both light and vigorous exercise reduce sleep disturbances in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, with high-intensity workouts providing the greatest benefit; moderate activity had little to no significant effect. The small 14-day study of seven participants suggests tailored group exercise could improve sleep and quality of life, though larger studies are needed.
For adults over 60, four standing bodyweight moves—bodyweight squats, step-ups, reverse lunges, and sit-to-stands—offer safer, more functional thigh-strength benefits than leg presses, engaging both large muscles and stabilizers to improve balance and mobility. Perform 2–3 sets of 10–15 reps (or per move's guidance) with 45–60 seconds rest, and adjust to your comfort and ability.
A yearlong JAMA trial with 800 emergency physicians at non-trauma centers found that training with the Night Shift video game reduced under-triage of severely injured older patients from 57% to 49% compared with standard education; the effect faded after about 30 days, suggesting shorter, more frequent refreshers may help, and that game-based training could strengthen clinical judgment.
Using objective wrist-monitor data from the Rush University Memory and Aging Project, researchers found that longer and more frequent naps, especially morning naps, are linked to higher all-cause mortality over 19 years (about 13% higher per extra nap hour, 7% higher per additional nap per day; morning nappers ~30% higher risk than early-afternoon nappers). The relationship is correlational, not causal, and naps may reflect underlying disease or circadian disruption; wearable nap monitoring could help flag health issues early.
An Australian dermatologist warns that aging skin becomes thinner and drier, advising people over 65 to reduce shower frequency—potentially washing every other day—especially in winter. Using gentler soap-free washes can help preserve natural oils while maintaining hygiene by cleansing key areas daily. The guidance emphasizes balancing cleanliness with skin health amid common concerns about over-washing.
A 19-year prospective study of 1,338 older adults using wrist actigraphy found that longer daytime napping, higher nap frequency, and morning naps are associated with higher all-cause mortality, while irregular nap patterns were not. Each additional hour of daytime napping was linked to about a 13% increase in mortality risk, and each extra nap per day to about 7%; morning nappers had about 30% higher risk than afternoon nappers. The findings, which researchers say highlight the clinical value of wearable daytime-nap assessments, do not prove causation but suggest that shifting sleep patterns may reflect underlying neurodegenerative or cardiovascular processes, enabling early risk identification.
A large, six-year, multi-country study of 10,217 people aged 65+ found that loneliness was linked to poorer initial memory performance but did not speed up the rate of memory decline over time; baseline memory was influenced by factors like age, health, depression, and social/physical activity, and researchers caution that loneliness is just one of several factors, calling for further longitudinal study.
A two-year, randomized analysis of 958 older adults found that daily multivitamin use slowed biological aging by about four months across five epigenetic clocks, with greater benefit for those who were biologically older at baseline. The study, part of the COSMOS trial and funded in part by Mars Edge and Haleon, does not prove a longer lifespan and experts caution that more research is needed. Diet quality and a balanced diet may be more impactful in general, and multivitamins can be costly or give a false sense of security. FDA regulation concerns and potential nutrient overdosage were noted, with a recommendation to prioritize real food for most people.