Healthy aging and longevity Archive

There are many health-related requirements for living independently in older age. For example, one needs sharp thinking skills in order to manage medications, pay bills, choose clothes for the day, and select and buy groceries; and one needs strength, balance, and flexibility in order to get up from a chair, cook, or clean. People with weakening aspects of health should talk to a doctor for potential solutions to improve or cope with health challenges in order to continue living independently.

Taking antiplatelet drugs can make any “blood thinner” advice confusing. Which blood-thinning medications vitamin K affects matters here.

Switching from a brand-name antidepressant to a generic can raise questions about side effect changes such as weight gain.

Sleeping 11 additional minutes, doing an extra five minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and eating just a quarter-cup more of vegetables each day was linked to a 10% reduction in heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heart problems, according to a 2026 study.

People who maintain or improve their heart-related risks over time are less likely to develop calcification of the aortic valve, which may lead to aortic stenosis.

People with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness were less likely to develop depression and dementia than those with low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, according to a 2026 research review.

Men may be less flexible than women, but stretching offers important benefits for everyone, especially as they age. Stretching may help keep muscles limber, improve balance and posture, prevent injuries, and even benefit sports performance.

As devices become more pervasive, and as many children become more scheduled with lessons and organized activities, making time for device-free play can be a challenge. Here's why it's important prioritize free play in a child's life.