Vitamin B12 Deficiency Associated with Aging and Chronic Disease Determinant



vitamin-b12

Introduction Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are essential for biological reactions, acting on the aging process. In developed countries, the classic syndromes of vitamin deficiency … [Read more...]


In pursuit of happiness Part II: why the older are happier



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Why are the frail elderly happier than the dynamic young? In last week’s post, I discussed a bit about the so-called U-Bend of Life as reported in the Dec 16 issue of The Economist. This week, … [Read more...]


In pursuit of happiness: The U-Bend of Life



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Life begins at 46. This headline on the cover of the December 2010 issue of The Economist attracted a lot of attention among the middle-aged. Including me. I won’t tell you my exact age but it’s … [Read more...]


Menopause and cancer: is there a link?



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The years up to when I’d be undergoing menopause can be counted on my fingers. Although I’ve read up on menopause and menopausal symptoms, I still anticipate the stage with … [Read more...]


Long life versus healthy life: which one would you choose?



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Celebrating someone's 80th birthday has become normal.  Progress in medicine has made it possible to prevent man from dying from diseases, but not from freeing man from diseases. On the contrary the … [Read more...]


Music-based multitasking exercise program helps improve gait and balance in the elderly



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Uncertainty of gait, impaired mobility and loss of balance. These are just a few of the physical downsides of aging. All of these lead to high prevalence of falls and injuries in the elderly. And … [Read more...]


Heart over head: weak pumping linked to smaller brain



Heart head

People are supposed to be rational and shouldn’t let their heart rule over their minds. But the human anatomy and physiology say otherwise: When the heart stops, brain damage and death follows. … [Read more...]


Too old to run a marathon? Stop making excuses



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I have learned a lot of new things and met lots of new people over the weekend. But one of the most important things I learned was “one is never too old to run a marathon.” I just came back … [Read more...]


Anxiety and depression in the elderly



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As we age, we sometimes experience anxiety, mood swings and depression. These symptoms affect our quality of life and can have some significant on physical and mental health. Women seem to be … [Read more...]


The health benefits of hiking



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If I tell you I did not do a single jogging run last week, you’d think I’m getting slack and lazy, right? Well, not quite We (I and my family) just got back from a week of autumn holidays in … [Read more...]


Autumn is stressful time for some, relaxation for others



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It is interesting how the season affects our moods. Scientists attribute this mainly to changes in the day length and weather conditions. But it seems there are other factors involved. A recent … [Read more...]


The aging drug users and their health problems



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Drug abuse is usually associated with the young. However, these youths eventually grow older and if they don’t kick their bad habits by middle age, then they are in big trouble. A recent study by … [Read more...]


Computer-associated health problems: the elderly are at risk, too



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How’s this for statistics on computer use: People spend between 2 and 15 hours in front of the computer each day (according to self-reported online surveys). Americans spend 2.6 million … [Read more...]


To live long and stay healthy



90th bday

My kids‘ great-grandma on their Dad’s side is turning 90 this coming Friday. 90!!! She lived through the Second World War, brought up 2 children while working full time, and has enjoyed the … [Read more...]


Nuts and berries clean up the aging brain



Studentenfutter

In Germany, there is a snack called “Studentenfutter” which can be translated into English as “students’ food”. It simply consists of different nuts, raisins and other dried fruit. There are … [Read more...]


Looking forward to old age



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Is there something positive about aging? We have previously tackled the topic of aging being considered a disease to be dreaded that needs treatment. In our current society, youth is revered and … [Read more...]


Alone and unaccounted: Japan’s missing centenarians



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Japan is supposedly the country with the highest number of centenarians and also with one of the highest life expectancy. The headlines below during the past decade attested to this. 09 Sep 2003 … [Read more...]


Do you have what it takes to be a centenarian?



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Why do some people live to be hundred while some do not even get to celebrate their 60th birthday? Is it nature or nurture? Scientists believe it is a combination of the influence of environmental … [Read more...]


Testosterone for the elderly: good for the muscles, bad for the heart?



old men

Aging comes with a lot of difficulties, including decreased mobility which limits an old person’s independence and overall quality of life. Health experts believe that impaired mobility in the … [Read more...]


Good dental hygiene slows down aging



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There is a better and cheaper alternative to botox or plastic surgery in trying to keep the years away. It’s good dental hygiene, according to some experts. Simply speaking, “gum disease makes you … [Read more...]


NOTE: The contents in this blog are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or a substitute for professional care. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before making changes to any existing treatment or program. Some of the information presented in this blog may already be out of date.