Aging -- Fit Body, Fit Mind

Workouts help preserve mental fitness through aging

An interesting article by Christopher Hertzog and team featured in Scientific American supports physical fitness as a hedge against age-related dementia. One study cited showed how the most physically active women had a 30% lower risk of cognitive decline. In this study walking distance was related to cognition, but walking speed was not. Jennifer Weuve’s research team at Harvard University found a significant relation between energy expended in physical activity and cognition. Other interesting research is cited related to the body’s impact on the brain, giving elders an effective way to stay mentally sharp.

Senior Fitness

How to maintain vibrancy through the aging process

For Baby-boomers and beyond, exercise is the best hedge against premature aging, including coronary artery disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and even the common cold and flu. Solve Your Problem website does an admirable job explaining how exercise boosts the immune system to help protect us from illness. Lots of other relevant wellness articles are shown on this “Believe In Yourself… You Can Do It!” website

Yoga for All Ages

Older Adults Increasingly Turn to Yoga for Health

John Hanc writing for the AARP Bulletin Today offers good reason for older adults to practice the physical type of yoga designed to keep the muscles and joints resilient. I agree wholeheartedly with John about picking a knowledgeable yoga instructor sensitive to the aging body. Every pose has its variations suitable to people with stiff joints and those most supple. The key is keeping within your own daily comfort level. Proper breathing is also essential.

Tea – The Wonder Drug

Understand the many health benefits of drinking tea

EnergeticPathways.com offers interesting articles and links including one citing the many health benefits of drinking tea. The difference between black and green tea is explained, as well as the many benefits including aging, allergies, arthritis, bone strength, cancer, cholesterol, heart disease, and weight loss. Thanks to the Dynamic Pathways Wellness Center for this fine article that has me drinking more tea!

Fountain of Youth Rx

Watch the 60 Minutes Video on Red Wine and Being Skinny to Slow Aging

Morley Safer interviews researchers Dr. Christoph Westphal and David Sinclair who study the genetic components of aging. Resveratrol, found in red wine, triggers a survival mechanism that seems to extend life. Calorie Restriction or dieting also is a factor that extends life in laboratory animals. Chunky monkeys have more diabetes, cancer and heart disease than their thinner brother and sisters. Get the full story watching this interesting episode on 60 Minutes.