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
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
Here’s an interesting phrase you don’t hear every day: “compression of morbidity.” Sounds dreadful, doesn’t it? But it’s actually something everyone wants: to have all our age-related illnesses come in as short a time as possible at the end of life. In other words, to live really well right up until the end. The ultimate
The good news keeps coming about exercise lowering the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The latest study reports benefits from doing more aerobic exercise in middle age and old age. It was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. “Our study underscores the critical role of cardiovascular fitness in reducing dementia risk,
Did you know that “longevity” is trending? Yep, books and blogs, shows and podcasts… everybody’s writing and talking about how people are living longer now and will be living even longer in the near future. So, how can you extend your life with the healthiest practices to ensure autonomy and quality of life? Well,
Fifteen years ago, Alan Rosenthal was a fit 60-year-old who had just returned from a bicycle trip through France. Then a blood test revealed type 2 diabetes. His doctor gave him a three-day course on diet, exercise, and self-care. The doctor also recommended a local trainer. And even though Alan knew his way around a
Deidra Champagne spends all day making beautiful floral arrangements at her business. And in her off-time, she’s at the gym, staying strong, limber and fit for the demands of running her shop and enjoying her vegetable garden at home. Deidra, 61, has been working out with resistance and cardio training for more than a decade.
With so much pressure to look a certain way (usually thin and young for women), how can we maintain positive self-esteem and health at the same time? Wouldn’t it be nice to be at peace with your body image? Counselor and nutrition expert Nina Manolson says it’s especially difficult for women, and even more so
Remember when the default gift for Father’s Day was a tie from Sears? That won’t cut it anymore. Today’s dads over 50 are more active than in previous generations. And they want to spend time with grandkids and other family and friends more than they want some lame trinket. So, if you’d rather give the