Harvard Health Content API

An exercise routine that targets muscles in the legs and buttocks can help build the strength and stability that are essential for daily functioning. Lunges are an excellent exercise for this. Older adults can do them safely if they have sufficient leg strength to do the exercise correctly. For those who lack the necessary strength, modified versions can be done until it’s possible to gradually work up to doing the full lunge. Once that is mastered, more advanced versions include the side lunge and walking lunge. Holding weights can increase the challenge.

A 2025 study suggested that consuming larger amounts of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and xylitol may be linked to faster declines in memory and thinking skills.

An x-ray, CT scan, or MRI is usually not needed for addressing low back pain unless people have other symptoms or risk factors for a serious condition. Short-term rest, heat or cold, and over-the-counter medication can ease discomfort until the back pain goes away.

Poor night vision could be caused by an outdated eyeglass prescription or an eye condition, such as dry eye, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration. People should see an eye care specialist for a complete eye exam to check for these issues.

More men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to a 2025 study. Black men have a higher incidence of cancer and are twice as likely to die from the condition compared with white men.

Older adults need a strong core to stay active and healthy. While the core comprises many muscles, the four main ones lie within the abdomen: the rectus abdominis in the front; the external and internal obliques on the sides; and the deep, flat transversus abdominis wrapping your midsection. Several core exercises work many of these muscles, but the dead bug exercise can engage all of them and is safe for older adults, as it can be modified for any age or limitations. The dead bug is done by lying on the back and moving the limbs up and down to imitate a dying insect.

A 2025 study suggests that even a single session of resistance training or high-intensity interval training increases levels of certain proteins that can inhibit breast cancer cell growth, potentially contributing to a lower risk of recurrence.

Arthritis in the joint at the base of thumb (the carpometacarpal joint) can cause pain, weakness, and instability. It can seriously impair the ability to function. Thumb arthritis is diagnosed with a physical examination and x-rays. It can be managed with occupational therapy, which includes learning optimal hand positions and exercises and wearing a hand splint. Pain relief options include heat, pain medications, and cortisone injections. If these are inadequate or the condition is severe, surgery is an option.