2021 into 2022: Ways to Help You As You Grow Older
The New York Times has a column, “Well,” that addresses health issues. Here are some insights from the most popular Well stories published in 2021.
For successful aging, recognize your issues and adapt.
- The Times personal health columnist turned 80 and took an inventory of her life and decided what she no longer needed to do (color her hair; talk about aches and pains to anyone who will listen) and what she is unwilling to give up (walking her dog in the woods). “Sooner or later, we all must recognize what is no longer possible and find alternatives,” Ms. Brody wrote. In her case, that has meant giving up ice skating, but still taking 10-mile bike rides.
Read the full story at the link shown below.
- The more your gut microbiome changes, the better. You may be able to predict your likelihood of living a long life by analyzing the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that inhabit your intestinal tract, People whose microbiome changed needed fewer medications, and they had better physical health, with faster walking speeds and greater mobility. A healthy gut ultimately may lie in your genetic makeup, but we already know the tips for maintaining a health gut: eat more fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid processed foods.
Read the full story at the link shown below.
A Changing Gut Microbiome May Predict How Well You Age
3. “Cognitive Super-Agers” may hold clues to how we can keep our brains in shape. A study from the Netherlands that focused on “cognitive super-agers”: people who approach the end of the human life span with brains that function as if they were 30 years younger. By studying centenarians, researchers hope to identify reliable characteristics and develop treatments that would result in healthy cognitive aging for most of us. Tips are to maintain good vision and hearing, and past research reveals resilience factors such as obtaining a high level of quality education; holding occupations that deal with complex facts and data; consuming a Mediterranean-style diet; engaging in leisure activities; socializing with other people; and exercising regularly.
Read the full story at the link shown below,
The Secrets of ‘Cognitive Super-Agers’
4. Walking is a powerful way for older folk to exercise. If possible, we should take at least 7,000 steps a day or engage in sports such as tennis, cycling, swimming, jogging, or badminton for more than 2.5 hours per week (based on two aging studies). The key is to move more.
Read the full story at the link shown below.
How Much Exercise Do We Need to Live Longer?
Below is a link to the entire article.
The Secrets to Successful Aging in 2022 – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Here’s A Great New Book
“Something Like Treason” by Bill Sonn. Bill has researched and written a book about an unknown chapter of Americans in World War II. Bill is a trained researcher and a skilled and compelling writer. Check it out at Bill’s website or find it on Amazon.
Remembering a Fun Novelty Song
Before Mayberry and Matlock, Andy Griffith was a comedian, specializing in hillbilly comedy. He had two best-selling 45 rpm singles, “Romeo and Juliet,” which he performed on The Andy Griffith Show with Opie at the kitchen table. His other hit was, “What It Was, Was Football,” which you can hear at the link below. Both are very, very funny.
Getting Old Ain’t for Sissies 