In recent years, an increasing amount of scientific evidence has supported the idea that people can do quite a lot on their own to lengthen their life span and to enhance the quality of life as they age. Here are five steps to take every day that can promote healthy aging and boost longevity: 1. [...]
For everyone over 40 who fears that their mind is slowly failing them, a new study suggests that older brains are better than younger brains in some ways. While some thinking skills begin to decline as one ages, researchers found that others don't peak until middle age or even later. The study, which looked at [...]
If someone asked your adult children when you last saw a doctor, could any of them answer? What if you were asked for a list of specialists you've seen in the last five years or the results of hospital tests you've had in that period? Can your spouse find your birth certificate? The time to [...]
Many older Americans lead healthy, interesting, and productive lives well into their later years. But that’s not what we usually hear about. Instead, the emphasis is often on the limitations people experience as they get older from problems as varied as falls, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. The result is that we tend to have [...]
Sleep is an essential part of life. Without it, your body—and mind—don’t work up to par. That may be especially true as you age. A recent study suggests that older adults who sleep better think better overall. An aging brain? You probably know firsthand how a lack of sleep can muddle your mind. An international [...]
Humor and laughter may help combat memory loss in the elderly, a new study suggests. Previous research has found that the stress hormone cortisol can harm memory and learning ability in older adults. This new study examined whether mirth might reduce the damage caused by cortisol. Researchers showed a 20-minute humorous video to a group [...]
Most Americans no longer view retirement as a total departure from the work force, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey of 1,024 adults ages 50 and over. The researchers found that… View the rest of the article on the American Psychological Association website.
As many as one in 20 older adults in the United States may be financially exploited, a new study suggests. In fact, most older adults have had their money or property stolen or used improperly at some point, the researchers found. What's worse is that this abuse often occurs at the hands of their relatives. [...]
Years of research have produced conflicting findings on aging's effects on brainpower. Now, a recent study says that people aged 65 to 90 are significantly less likely than their younger counterparts to make what researchers define as rational decisions regarding money. Not surprisingly, they're also more averse to financial risk than middle-aged people, but not [...]
What do bananas on your cereal, onions in your chili, and pears for your dessert have in common? They're great ways to get the fruits and vegetables you need to help you live a healthy, active life. The USDA developed Choose My Plate, which provides food guidelines and encourages you to eat only the calories [...]