Healthy aging and longevity Archive

In a 2023 study, people who didn't exercise regularly but accumulated three and a half minutes of vigorous daily activity (such as stair climbing) had a 32% lower risk for developing cancer, compared with non-exercisers who didn't do any vigorous activity.

Both loneliness and isolation were associated with poor health outcomes in a 2023 study. However, social isolation was a stronger predictor of physical decline and early death, while loneliness was more predictive of mental health issues such as depression.

A small randomized trial in 2023 found that taking two 250-mg capsules of curcumin four times a day was as effective at relieving dyspepsia symptoms as taking one daily 20-mg dose of the heartburn medication omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid).

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a first-line treatment for people with obstructive sleep apnea. The CPAP keeps the airway open by pushing a forceful stream of air through a tube and into a mask worn during sleep. The air comes from a small bedside pump (an air compressor). Other forms of positive airway pressure (PAP) may be helpful for people with central sleep apnea. Doctors determine which type of PAP therapy and device someone needs. Patients select the type of PAP mask to use with the system.

Abruptly stopping a medication can be risky and even life-threatening. For example, suddenly discontinuing certain drugs can cause a rebound effect, meaning that symptoms or problems that were controlled—such as high blood pressure or heartburn—can return with a vengeance. Stopping some medications, such as prescription painkillers or antidepressants, might result in withdrawal symptoms. Before quitting any drug cold turkey, it's important to consult with a doctor to make sure that it's safe.

When a shoulder workout seems time-consuming or challenging, it might help to make the exercises easier or more appealing. One approach is doing shoulder exercises with a resistance band instead of fancy weight machines. Another strategy is doing a few occasional shoulder exercises, such as making arm circles, while seated. And it might be fun to dance and move the arms in time to music, which works the shoulder muscles; or to place a ball against a wall and roll the ball in small letter shapes from A to Z, which works all of the muscles in the shoulders.

People who climb more than five flights of stairs—about 50 steps—daily may lower their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a 2023 study.

Planks are an isometric exercise, in which the muscles contract but do not move. They are a great way to strengthen muscles in the abdomen, back, legs, shoulders, and arms.

Products that encourage healthy eating or exercise can make good holiday gifts for family and friends. Examples include cooking gadgets (such as a food chopper or high-quality knife), a gift basket of fresh fruit or Mediterranean-inspired treats, or home workout equipment (such as dumbbells, resistance bands, or sports-related gear).

Isometric exercises that engage the muscles without movement—such as wall squats and planks—may help lower blood pressure more than other types of strength training. Experts have speculated about a possible mechanism: During isometric exercise, clenched muscles temporarily constrain blood flow. The following surge of blood may stimulate the release of factors that help relax the vessels and ultimately contribute to a reduction in blood pressure.