Healthy aging and longevity Archive

Good dental health protects against not only gum disease, gum inflammation, and tooth loss but also many other age-related diseases. Like other aspects of health care, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to your teeth and gums. People should see their dentist every six months for check-ups, x-rays as needed, and cleanings. In between, they should follow a daily dental hygiene routine of rinsing, brushing, and flossing to help reduce plaque buildup, gingivitis, and cavities.

Periodontal disease, the leading cause of adult tooth loss, may increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.

Most people know that as they age, they need to put effort into staying healthy by eating carefully, exercising, and getting enough sleep. But there is another element to healthy aging: keeping your mind engaged helps protect brain health, and one way to do that is by maintaining an active social life.

A 2026 study found that taking more daily steps (even at a slow pace) or walking faster (even without adding steps) was associated with a lower chance of dying early.

Carotid artery dissection can affect blood flow to the brain. Explore possible symptoms, causes, and the tests and treatments doctors may consider.

People with cardiovascular disease often take five or more medications, some of which may be unnecessary, inappropriate, or even harmful. For some people, stopping or lowering the dose of certain medications under a doctor’s guidance (deprescribing) may be a good strategy.

Advair treats asthma, but questions about its effects can extend beyond breathing. Find out what may matter when considering your bone health.

Denial is a natural response at times when you’re unable or unwilling to face the facts. As a defense mechanism, it can be helpful or harmful. Here's how to spot it in yourself and others, and how to move from denial toward meaningful change.

People who have trouble sleeping may take dietary supplements to ease their insomnia. Melatonin and magnesium, two popular sleep supplements, work in different ways and have varying levels of scientific support.

Orthorexia is an obsession with “pure” or “clean” eating that goes beyond healthy habits—marked by rigid food rules, anxiety around imperfect eating, and feelings of superiority. Though not a formal diagnosis, it’s treatable with help from a multidisciplinary team that includes various specialists in diet and mental health.