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The incidence of heat-related ailments, such as heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, has risen over the past five years, according to a 2022 analysis. People ages 65 and older were at the highest risk compared with other age groups, and men were affected more than women.
Most older adults can expect to walk more than 100,000 miles during their lifetime, which can take a toll on their feet. With regular foot care, people can address most everyday foot issues like calluses, blisters, and fungus infections. But older adults also need to be mindful about certain problems that can impede their foot health and make mobility difficult, such as heel pain, flat feet, and osteoarthritis.
Dr. Alan Poisner, 88, is one of the country’s most decorated master-level walkers. He holds several National Senior Games records. A medical researcher, he also has a long career exploring the physiology of walking, especially among older adults. Here, he shares his decades-long advice for beginner and novice walkers, from how to stay motivated to the best ways to elevate one’s workouts.
Adopting a dog is one of the best ways for older adults to combat many common health issues. Research has shown that dog owners have lower risks of cardiovascular disease and take more daily steps compared with non-owners. Having a dog also can lower stress levels and help people become more social.
A diet that includes fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, pollock, and cod, has long been touted to support heart health. Research has found that the health benefit from fatty fish appears to be its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce triglyceride (a type of fat in the blood) and increase “good” HDL cholesterol. Omega-3s also slow plaque buildup in arteries that can cause blood clots and may trigger heart attacks and strokes.
The health risks of using tobacco and overusing alcohol begin to drop within days after a person stops using them. However, how past usage may affect a person’s longevity is difficult to predict.
Daily persistent nasal drip or congestion is usually caused by chronic nonallergic rhinitis. Daily nasal irrigations and prescription nasal sprays are the recommended treatments.
Advertisements and celebrity endorsements claim that by raising testosterone levels with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), men can boost their sex drive and feel more robust. While TRT can help improve some physical, sexual, and mental health symptoms associated with low testosterone levels, it may not work for everyone, and despite the miracle claims, TRT cannot make older men feel 30 years younger.
A 2023 study found that a 12-week home-based cardiac rehab program may lower a person’s risk of dying over the next few years. Cardiac rehab, a program designed to help people recover from heart-related problems, is traditionally done at a medical facility.
A 2023 study found that one in five people at high risk for heart disease chose not to take a recommended statin drug. After a doctor’s recommendation to start a statin, women were more likely than men to decline the medication.