All articles tagged with #seniors health
Aging is linked to sarcopenia, a gradual loss of muscle mass that begins around age 30 and accelerates with time. A large study of more than 458,000 adults found those with sarcopenia had higher infection rates, suggesting muscle health supports immune resilience, though causation isn’t proven. Regular exercise and strategies to preserve muscle mass may help reduce infection risk.
As you approach 60, focus on diet shifts (more calcium and vitamin D), take simple daily balance steps to reduce fall risk, and watch for early dementia signs such as mood changes, reduced sense of smell, and sleep problems—then talk with your doctor about steps to reduce risk.
A geriatric expert says falls prevention starts years before they happen: stay active, review medications, and make homes safer, with fall-risk assessments advised before age 65.
Glucosamine is a widely used supplement for osteoarthritis, but experts say the evidence for its effectiveness in reducing joint pain is mixed at best. The article notes controversies over glucosamine’s real effects, and meta-analyses generally show only a small or inconsistent pain benefit when any, underscoring the need for more robust research and prompting clinicians to discuss uncertain benefits and potential risks with patients.
Thyroid dysfunction can mimic aging, with fatigue and brain fog often dismissed as part of getting older; a 53-year-old woman’s Hashimoto’s diagnosis and improvement on levothyroxine illustrates how treatable thyroid conditions can be when properly evaluated.
A comprehensive study finds that people who were most fit in their 40s and 50s developed major illnesses later, and lived longer—adding about two healthy years to their lifespan.
Scientists are studying 82-year-old ultramarathoner Juan López García to understand how people can stay healthy as they age; García remains remarkably fit, running roughly 40 miles a week as he prepares for races, offering clues about the biology of aging, endurance, and lifestyle factors that support longevity.
A Washington Post Well+Being piece highlights seven hopeful advances in dementia research and care—from new blood tests detecting amyloid and tau to improved drug delivery—suggesting earlier, more accurate diagnosis and better treatment options as dementia risk rises (about 42% lifetime after age 55 with projections of up to 1 million new cases per year by 2060).