We’ve known for years that regular exercise supports better brain health. But a major new study helps clarify when physical activity may offer the strongest protection. A study published in JAMA Network Open followed adults from the long-running Framingham Heart Study and found two life stages where movement made the biggest difference. Adults with the highest levels of
When someone reaches 100, people rush to ask for “the secret.” But there isn’t one, according to at least one person who’s about to hit the milestone next month. Instead, actor-dancer Dick Van Dyke credits his longevity to a handful of steady habits — the same evidence-based behaviors we talk about all the time with
New research shows that just about a third of Americans 65 and older say their physical health is excellent or very good. And about 22% report difficulty in carrying out ordinary physical activities like walking, climbing stairs, and carrying groceries. That’s according to the Pew Research Center this month. It surveyed 8,750 U.S. adults of
Anytime we think about gratitude, most people often put their health high on the list. And not much boosts your health quite like healthy habits – including regularly exercising, eating right, sleeping well, and managing stress. It’s always a good time to express gratitude. And here are a few more items to add to your
Diane Firmani, 71, plays ice hockey, competes in triathlons, and rides her bike on the snow-covered Iditarod trail at home in Alaska. The super-fit retired librarian found a surprising group of similar women this year when she participated in “The Golden Bachelor” reality TV show, “competing” for the “heart” of a retired NFL player. Diane
Have you ever wondered what practical use your workouts have in daily life? You’re not alone. Plenty of us look at someone doing bicep curls or bench presses and think, Why would I want to do that? That’s where functional fitness comes in. This kind of training focuses on movements that mirror the tasks you do every day
Among the many fears about aging, few are as deep as the fear of dementia. Most of us grew up believing memory loss was inevitable, something we couldn’t prevent or delay. But science is telling a different story. In recent years, research has revealed that how we live has a powerful influence on how our
When it comes to resistance training, you don’t always need tons of equipment. Some powerful tools are small, simple, and inexpensive. Fitness bands have been common in physical therapy offices, gyms and fitness studios for a long time. They gained popularity in homes during the pandemic. They’re still a low-cost, lightweight option for resistance training,
Phil Shipp isn’t your typical 90-year-old. Earlier this summer, he won six gold medals at a Masters track and field competition. Even more remarkable, he added muscle mass during his training, proof that it’s never too late to get stronger. Phil had been competing for years, but in the weeks leading up to nationals, he
Every September, Healthy Aging Month invites us to consider what the next chapter of life could look like. This year’s theme, “Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself,” resonates with many folks over 50, especially, perhaps, regarding fitness and healthy habits. We’re living longer and have greater opportunities than previous generations. Active aging is about more than preventing decline. It’s