Around January 1st each year, social media feeds and journals are filled with bold promises of personal improvement. You plan to exercise six days a week, throw out every piece of chocolate in your house and completely overhaul your pantry. The ambition is palpable, but in reality, about…
Nearly one in five people in the United States is 65 or older, and with ongoing medical advancements, that number is expected to rise in the coming years. Living longer has its perks: more time to make memories, share wisdom with loved ones and enjoy life’s…
From intermittent fasting to finding a social circle, there are numerous lifestyle changes purported to increase the human lifespan. But which of these factors actually contribute to increased longevity, and which are simply passing trends? By studying the Blue Zones—regions around the world known for their high concentration of individuals…
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects more than just a person’s memory. It impacts their judgment, mood and their ability to perform everyday tasks like getting dressed or even using the bathroom on their own. It’s not only those diagnosed who feel the effects of this debilitating disease, as…
The term “cybernetics” evokes images of the human-robot hybrids featured in science fiction novels and superhero sagas. Characters like Iron Man and the Six Million Dollar Man were fully biological humans before suffering near-fatal injuries. The introduction of advanced technology into their bodies saved their lives and enabled them to…
When you imagine your life as an older adult, what do you envision? Some people plan on living with their children, adjusting to a comfortable intergenerational lifestyle, while others might see themselves in an assisted living facility that offers enough daily activities to feel like they’re on a never-ending cruise…
When you think of current public health concerns, what comes to mind? Mental health disorders, vulnerabilities in our healthcare systems and environmental pollution might be at the top of the list. One that many don’t think of? Loneliness. According to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, approximately…
The current retirement age for Americans receiving full Social Security benefits is 67, though partial benefits are available at age 62. Discussions about raising the retirement age to 69 or higher have been ongoing, ostensibly with an eye toward keeping Social Security solvent. While financial concerns drive these debates, staying…
As we age, our bodies’ systems begin to weaken, making us more vulnerable to illness and injury and more dependent on regular access to healthcare. Older adults need to visit medical providers more often, whether they be urologists, rheumatologists, gastroenterologists or geriatricians. Yet, despite this greater need, many older adults…
In 1950, the average global life expectancy was 45 years. Today, many people at that age are in the prime of their lives, with decades remaining to make lasting memories with family and friends. In fact, the current global life expectancy is…
