Harvard Health Content API

Prescription eye drops, such as pilocarpine hydrochloride (Vuity, Qlosi) and aceclidine (VIZZ), can ease blurry close-up vision that occurs in middle and older age. The eye drops temporarily shrink the eye’s pupil, which focuses light and makes near vision sharper. The eye drops are considered generally safe to use daily or occasionally, depending on preference. However, they can have side effects, such as dim vision and headaches. In rare cases, they might cause retinal problems.

Toasted skin syndrome is a rash that develops in a fishnet-like pattern from direct, chronic, low-level exposure to heat sources such as laptops, electric blankets, heating pads, and heated car seats. The heat dilates superficial blood vessels under the skin, causing the rash.

Red wine headaches are a common phenomenon. Scientists believe they’re due to a flavonoid called quercetin, which may block a key enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the liver and allows the buildup of a chemical called acetaldehyde that can trigger headaches.

Increasing numbers of older adults are using cannabis over recent years. People over 50 report using it to relax, sleep better, feel good, relieve pain, improve mood or mental health, or treat medical conditions. But older adults are more vulnerable to cannabis side effects, such as falls or interactions with prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Many older adults aren’t aware that cannabis products today are far more potent than in decades past. Medical visits related to cannabis use rose more than 27-fold among adults 65 and older between 2008 and 2021.

In a 2025 study, people who followed a Mediterranean diet, reduced their calorie intake, exercised at least 150 minutes a week, and received weight-loss support lowered their diabetes risk and lost more weight than those who only followed a Mediterranean diet.

In a 2025 study, people with knee osteoarthritis reported less pain and had less knee cartilage damage after changing their walking gait to reduce pressure on the inner part of the knee.

A 2025 study suggests that the nature of ultra-processed foods, not the consumption of extra calories from these foods, is what contributes to their association with excess weight gain and a greater risk for obesity.

Leg strength becomes even more vital as people age, as the legs are essential for routine movements such as going up and down stairs, sitting and rising from chairs, bending over and standing up, and protecting against falls. The main leg muscles are gluteals, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Some exercises that can help strengthen these muscles are bridges, step-ups, and heel raises.

People can take several measures to protect against winter dry skin, such as using an indoor humidifier, washing carefully, following a moisturizing routine, and covering exposed skin when outdoors.

Home health technologies have made it easier for people to monitor their health at home. These handy home devices can track certain health markers, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rhythm, heart rate variability, and oxygen saturation. Checking this information periodically may help some people identify possible problems or manage existing conditions.