Most Americans say lifestyle behaviors are important for brain health. But less than half connect those behaviors to actually lowering their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s where things stand. An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease today, along with about 750,000 Canadians. The numbers are expected to rise.
For Steve Broughton, 73, exercise is a defense strategy. In January, Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. While the news followed years of managing Meniere’s disease, it sharpened his focus on long-term health: maintaining his strength, balance, and independence. Steve refocused his exercise routine with strength training, cardio, and balance work, and that has changed
A few years ago, a neuroscientist at New York University gave a TED Talk about exercise and the brain. It has since been viewed more than 11 million times on YouTube. Wendy Suzuki’s message was personal as much as scientific. In her 50s, she had stopped exercising and had no social life. When she went
When Kim’s new grandbaby comes to visit, she doesn’t think twice about carrying him up and down the stairs. Between visits, she carries a 15-pound weight on those same stairs — just to stay ready. That’s the kind of practical, purposeful thinking that defines
The recent death of TV star James Van Der Beek puts the spotlight on colon cancer – and this month is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. “I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles,” he told People. “But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape.
More people say they have control over their physical health and mobility as they age, compared to their mental health and appearance, according to new research from the Pew Institute. “Three-in-ten say people have at least a fair amount of control over the aging process overall, with adults ages 65 and older among the most
People are living longer than ever, but not always better. There’s a 13-year gap between lifespan and “healthspan,” the years we spend in good health. Closing that gap is one of the biggest opportunities of our time. AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan recently outlined five lessons for aging well: recharge your mind daily, move your
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