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Category: healthy aging

Published on Leave a comment on High-Dose Flu Vaccines Lower the Risk of Developing Dementia
Human brain Credit: Wikipedia

The risk of developing dementia increases as a person ages. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) the risk of dementia was 4% by the time a person is 75, and 20% by age 85, and even higher after 85 years of age. Thus the interest in ways to prevent the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

One way to lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease is getting vaccinated, including the shingles and flu vaccines, after the age of 60. A recent study found that getting vaccinated with high dose flu vaccines in adults 65 years and older (instead of standard dose) reduces the odds of developing Alzheimer's disease even more.

A possible reason for the protective effect of the flu vaccine, especially the high-dose vaccine, is that vaccination strengthens immune defenses and reduces inflammation. Inflammation is thought to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Excerpts from CIDRAP: High-dose flu vaccine tied to lower Alzheimer’s risk in older adults

Receiving a high-dose flu vaccine is associated with a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease than a standard-dose vaccine in adults aged 65 and older, according to a large observational study published in Neurology. The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking vaccination, and possibly immune system activity, to reduced dementia risk. ...continue reading "High-Dose Flu Vaccines Lower the Risk of Developing Dementia"

Published on Leave a comment on Consuming Coffee Or Tea Daily Associated With Lower Risk of Dementia
Cup of coffee Credit: Wikipedia

Once again, a recent study found that daily consumption of coffee has health benefits.

Recent research found that drinking a moderate amount of coffee (2 to 3 cups of daily) or 1 to 2 cups of tea daily was associated with a lower risk of dementia and better cognitive function. Decaf coffee appeared to have no effect on risk of dementia or cognitive functioning.

Persons with the highest intake (2 to 3 cups or more daily) of caffeinated coffee had an 18% lower risk of dementia compared with those who drank little or no caffeinated coffee. The large study followed people for as long as 43 years.

From Medical Xpress: Consuming 2–3 cups of coffee daily associated with lower dementia risk, better cognitive function

A new prospective cohort study by investigators from Mass General Brigham, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard analyzed 131,821 participants from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS), finding that moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee (two to three cups a day) or tea (one to two cups a day) reduced dementia risk, slowed cognitive decline, and preserved cognitive function. ...continue reading "Consuming Coffee Or Tea Daily Associated With Lower Risk of Dementia"

Published on Leave a comment on Physical Activity Slows Down Kidney Function Decline That Occurs With Aging
MALE URINARY SYSTEM Credit: Wikipedia

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing problem globally, especially in aging populations. As people age, their kidney function declines - and this is a normal part of aging. A recent study found that physical activity slows this kidney function decline.

The study followed healthy individuals (aged 50 to 64 years at the start), who had varying physical activity levels, over an 11 year period. The researchers found that there is a dose response effect from physical activity - more active persons had a slower annual kidney function decline, as well as a much lower risk of accelerated kidney function decline.

The slowest level of kidney decline was in persons who were physically active almost every day (at least 5 days a week) and who engaged in more intense exercise. Note that physical activity is not just doing exercises - it's physical activity of all sorts. Yes, walking counts.

The researchers viewed physical activity as having reno-protective effects - in both the general population and in persons with CKD. This is because it lowers the risk of developing CKD, but it also slows kidney function decline. By the way, other studies have also found physical activity or exercise beneficial in slowing down the kidney function decline that occurs with aging.

From Medscape: Physical Activity May Slow Kidney Function Decline

Increased physical activity was associated with a substantially lower risk for kidney function decline, with the strongest effects seen with higher frequencies and intensities of activity, according to a new longitudinal study. ...continue reading "Physical Activity Slows Down Kidney Function Decline That Occurs With Aging"

Published on Leave a comment on The EPA Now Values Human Life At Zero Dollars

Very depressing news. The EPA plans to NOT take into account of the value of human life any more when making rules and setting policy regarding air pollutants (e.g., fine particulate matter and ozone). Meaning that the value of a human life is zero dollars. Instead, the only thing that will be considered is the cost to businesses of pollution regulations.

In other words, no more estimates of the dollar value of lives saved in the cost-benefit analyses for new pollution rules. People dying will just be a side-effect of business - eh, move on, nothing to see here.

This means that the cost to society (of human suffering and deaths) from pollutants just doesn't matter. Businesses obviously do not/will not want regulations that cost money.  Yes, this will mean dirtier air and the environment going forward. Very depressing...

Excerpts from NY Times: Trump’s E.P.A. Has Put a Value on Human Life: Zero Dollars

Government officials have long grappled with a question that seems like the purview of philosophers: What is the value of a human life?

Under both Democratic and Republican administrations, the answer has been in the millions of dollars. The higher the value, the more the government has required businesses to spend on their operations to prevent a single death.

But for the first time ever, at the Environmental Protection Agency the answer is effectively zero dollars. ...continue reading "The EPA Now Values Human Life At Zero Dollars"

Published on Leave a comment on Coffee and Liver Health

The health benefits of regularly drinking coffee keep increasing. A recent study confirmed that consuming coffee on a regular basis reduces the incidence of liver disease and slows the progression of several liver diseases.

The study authors write that coffee contains a number of bioactive compounds (e.g., caffeine, polyphenols, diterpenes) which have "anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic, and anticancer properties".

In other words, enjoy your daily coffee. It's good for you!

Excerpts from Medscape: Regular Coffee Drinking Can Protect and Restore Liver Health

TOPLINE: Several bioactive compounds in coffee exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and metabolic effects that reduce the incidence and progression of liver diseases. ...continue reading "Coffee and Liver Health"

Published on Leave a comment on High Fat Cheese and Lower Risk of Dementia

Great news for cheese lovers! A recent study found regularly eating full-fat (high-fat) cheese and cream was associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. Some examples of full-fat cheese include cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, Brie, Gouda, Provolone, Colby, Havarti, Mozzarella (full-fat), and cream cheese.

This was a long-running study (27,670 persons for 25 years) conducted in Sweden. High-fat cream and cheese consumption was inversely associated with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. Eating more than 50 grams (about 1/3 cup or 2 slices) of full-fat cheese per day was associated with a 13% to 17% lower risk of Alzheimer's, and more than 20 grams (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) of full-fat cream was linked to a 16% lower risk of dementia overall.

However, consumption of low-fat cheese, low-fat cream, milk (low or high fat), and butter showed no association with dementia.

From Science Daily: Study links full-fat cheese to lower dementia risk

...continue reading "High Fat Cheese and Lower Risk of Dementia"

Published on Leave a comment on The Foods You Eat and Their Link to Constipation

For years it has been known that increasing the amount of fiber (and drinking enough fluids) in a person's  diet helps to prevent constipation. A recent large multi-year study of 96,000 adults confirmed this: Mediterranean and plant-based diets prevented constipation, and Western and inflammatory diets (low fiber, high ultra-processed foods) raised constipation risk.

Vegetables, cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli), legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), and fruits were all associated with reduced risks for constipation. High vegetable and nut consumption was especially good for preventing constipation. Additionally, a low carbohydrate diet showed a slight increased risk for constipation. Eating a diet rich in cereal fibers (e.g., white bread, low fiber breakfast cereals) and ultra-processed foods was linked to constipation.

Besides reducing constipation, many studies show that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, such as the Mediterranean diet, is protective for cardiometabolic diseases (e.g., heart disease, heart attack, strokes, kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes), cancer, and even early death. This type of diet is high in fiber, has positive effects on the gut microbiome, and reduces chronic inflammation.

From Science Daily: What 96,000 adults taught scientists about preventing constipation

Chronic constipation becomes more common with age. Researchers from Mass General Brigham conducted a new study examining whether five widely followed diets could help prevent chronic constipation in middle- and older-age adults. The team monitored more than 96,000 participants for several years to see how long-term eating habits influenced the likelihood of developing this persistent gastrointestinal issue. Their analysis showed that people who routinely ate a Mediterranean or plant-based diet experienced a lower incidence of constipation. The findings appear in Gastroenterology. ...continue reading "The Foods You Eat and Their Link to Constipation"

Published on Leave a comment on Common Foods Linked to Improved Heart Function

The evidence keeps piling up that certain foods are associated with health, while other foods (e.g., soda, ultra processed foods) are associated with chronic diseases. A recent article reported the results of several studies finding certain foods linked to cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure.

But guess what? They are popular foods available to everyone - cocoa, green tea, black tea, apples, grapes, and berries.

There is strong evidence certain plant compounds (flavan-3-ols, also known as flavanols or catechins) in these foods have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. These compounds can lower blood pressure and improve endothelial function (functioning of the blood vessels). Two to three cups of tea daily! One to two servings of dark chocolate daily! Instead of chips for a snack, have an apple.

By the way, rather than focusing on eating just certain foods, it's better to improve your entire diet by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts. All these foods are linked to good health and are considered part of a heart-healthy diet.

From Medscape: From Apples to Cocoa: Everyday Foods Linked to CV Benefits

The term “healthy diet” is often used but frequently remains vague. This is why scientific research into specific food components with preventive potential is gaining importance. Current studies suggest that certain plant compounds found in everyday foods such as apples, cocoa, and tea may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular (CV) health. ...continue reading "Common Foods Linked to Improved Heart Function"

Published on Leave a comment on Lifestyle Changes That Benefit the Aging Brain

As people age, they frequently start wondering what they can do to prevent memory and thinking problems, and especially dementia. The good news is that several large studies found that there are a number of lifestyle changes that one can do to have a healthier (memory! thinking!) brain in later years. Even if you are already in your 60s and 70s.

The evidence points to diet (e.g., Mediterranean style diet, ), exercise, and socializing being all important for brain health. In fact, it can result in keeping brains several years "younger" than in those with unhealthy lifestyles. Also, studies find that challenging your brain by learning something new, such as learning a new language or musical instrument or online cognitive training, is beneficial for the brain.

Adopting a lifestyle that promotes brain health is so very important, because it is NORMAL that as we age, there are brain changes, including brain shrinkage (volume of the brain). Therefore you want to slow down or delay these age related changes as much as possible. Researchers feel that adopting these lifestyle changes are so effective that they should be medically prescribed.

Excerpts from NPR: Trying to keep your brain young? A big new study finds these lifestyle changes help

Scientists have unveiled the strongest evidence yet that a combination of diet, exercise and brain training can improve thinking and memory in older Americans.

A study of more than 2,100 sedentary people in their 60s and 70s found that those who spent two years on the intensive regimen not only improved their mental abilities but appeared to reduce the usual declines associated with aging. ...continue reading "Lifestyle Changes That Benefit the Aging Brain"

Published on Leave a comment on Heat Is A Bigger Killer Than Other Weather Disasters

We are saddened when hearing about persons dying in floods, tornadoes, and other natural weather disasters. The numbers seem so high. But...it turns out the biggest killer each year is heat. Extreme heat kills more people most years than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined.

Extreme heat events are on the rise globally (yup, climate change) and so the number of people dying are increasing. For example, the recent heat wave across Europe, when temperatures surged higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, is thought to have killed thousands of people. Especially since in many of the areas hit by the extreme heat people don't have air conditioning in their homes.

A quick analysis of heat-related deaths by researchers at the Imperial College London found that human-induced climate change intensified the European heatwave between June 23 and July 2, 2025 and tripled the number of heat-related deaths. They found that about 2300 people may have died from the extreme heat over the 10 day period across the 12 European cities they looked at, but that over all Europe there could have been tens of thousands of deaths. People over 65 accounted for a majority (88%) of the deaths.

Each year in the US, heat kills more people than any other type of extreme weather.

The following article was written last year, but it still applies since each year is getting hotter. Note that 2024 was hotter than 2023, which was the final year of the heat-related death analysis. NY Times: Heat Deaths Have Doubled in the U.S. in Recent Decades, Study Finds

As dangerous heat bears down on the central and eastern United States this week, a new study shows heat-related deaths across the country are on the rise. ...continue reading "Heat Is A Bigger Killer Than Other Weather Disasters"