Vitamin B12 can do all sorts of good things for older folks. It can support everything from brain health to how your nerves function. Some studies suggest it may even help prevent cognitive decline. But Kristin Zimmerman, associate professor in the department of pharmacotherapy and outcomes science at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Pharmacy in Richmond, grew suspicious several years ago when her mom, who was in her late 60s and living on Florida’s Gold Coast, qu

Tongue Lashing Few muscles are as hard-working as the tongue. By day, it twists to form the sounds you speak and pushes around the food you eat. While you sleep, your tongue moves saliva down your throat.  Go With Your Gut On average, your intestines are 25 feet long from end to end. Your small intestine is long -- over 20 feet. And while your large intestine is wider around, it stretches out only to 5 feet in length. Dirty Mouth You might think twice before kissing. In one m

Try this: Bend your wrist as far back as you can toward your forearm. How long can you hold it there? Probably not long, maybe a matter of seconds, says Scott Bautch, D.C., a Wisconsin-based chiropractor and president of the American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Occupational Health. Bautch asks people to do this to prove a point. “You wouldn’t watch an entire football game with your wrist stretched as far as possible, your arm way above your head, or your pelvis twis

Age Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. About a third of people 85 and older show signs of the disease. The genes you get from your parents play a part at this age, but so do things like diet, exercise, your social life, and other illnesses. Dementia isn't a normal part of getting older. Heart Disease It could lead to a heart attack or stroke, which makes dementia more likely. Heart disease is usually caused by plaque buildup in arteries around your heart

People who have razor-sharp minds in their 80s and 90s — known as “SuperAgers” — produce twice the number of young neurons as cognitively healthy adults and 2.5 times as many as people with Alzheimer’s disease, a new study found. “This shows the aging brain has the capacity to regenerate — that’s huge,” said study coauthor Dr. Tamar Gefen, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Mesulam Institute for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at N

All the Shades of Gray It’s said a woman’s hair is their crowning glory. Sooner or later, that crown will start to gray. You now face a decision. Banish gray hair with dye, or rock a silver mane? Whichever you pick, know the facts about your gray strands to keep your hair looking and feeling its best. Science of Grays Your hair follicles have pigment cells that make melanin, a chemical that gives your hair its color. As you age, these cells start to die. Without pigment, new

If your knees creak or your hips feel stiff when you get out of bed in the morning, you might blame it on the normal wear and tear that comes with age. But the stiffness could also be something else: a problem with joint lubrication. A natural lubricant called synovial fluid helps your bones glide together without grinding, says Dr. Kenneth Mautner, a sports medicine physician at Emory Healthcare’s Orthopaedics and Spine Center in Atlanta. As we age, our bodies can produce le

Sleep is vitally important at all ages, but a myth persists: older adults simply need less sleep. But in fact, people who are 65 and older are still recommended to get the same amount of sleep as younger adults. “As we age, we still need around 7–9 hours of sleep, but the way we sleep shifts. Sleep tends to become lighter and more fragmented, meaning older adults wake up more during the night. This can be due to natural changes in our internal body clock, certain medications,

It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about visiting the dentist. Things like needles, drills, and sharp tools are enough to unnerve anyone, regardless of their age. But if you’re 65 or older, it can be especially hard to smile when thinking about your teeth. That’s because older adults are at higher risk for certain dental issues. Maybe your mouth feels dryer than it used to. Perhaps your dentist has recommended some procedures you’ve never heard of. And you might find out you h

The “forever chemicals” known as PFAS appear to be aging men faster in their 50s and early 60s, a new study found. Called forever chemicals due to the years it takes for them to break down, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are present in the blood of an estimated 98% of Americans, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Epigenetic aging — a measurement of one’s biological age instead of chronological age — was most advanced in

Scientists have just identified four broad types of medical condition that could help doctors identify the risk of Alzheimer’s disease a decade before symptoms develop—with the potential to help slash incidence rates in half.  Alzheimer’s disease develops over decades, and some health conditions in midlife such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and stroke have been linked to an increased risk later in life.   However, more medical conditions could predict the development of thi

Glyphosate is an ingredient found in several herbicide products, including those from a major brand that has been in the news for settling a lawsuit around glyphosate’s potential link to cancer. Recent research links glyphosate to Hodgkin’s lymphoma and raises questions about the ingredient’s carcinogenic properties, however, more research is still needed. What is glyphosate? Glyphosate is an herbicide that’s widespread in the environment. “It was initially registered as an

We get it: Absolutely no one wants cancer or even wants to think about getting cancer. The good news is that we’ve come a long way in treatment and prognoses for many types of cancer, especially when doctors catch them early , thanks to research and modern medicine. Yet, despite all we’ve learned about the disease, there are still a bunch of things we don’t know. “We are still trying to figure out risk factors for many types of cancer,” states Dr. David Yashar, MD , a hemato

After a trip, a long day with family or the occasional late night, it’s common to feel tired or a bit sluggish. But fatigue — constant exhaustion, tiredness, and a lack of physical and mental energy — often needs more than just a good night’s sleep to resolve. Often, fatigue is seen as an inevitable part of aging — but this shouldn’t be the case, according to Chris Aakre, M.D., a fatigue specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “Fatigue at any age is not normal. The

You don’t have to cut the morning caffeine drip to protect your brain against dementia in the future. New research shows that daily coffee or tea –– and yes, the caffeinated kind –– is associated with better cognitive health in the long term. Those who enjoyed two to three cups of coffee or one to two cups of tea a day saw the biggest impact, according to the study published Monday in JAMA. Coffee drinkers in midlife had about an 18% lower chance of developing dementia later

A person’s genes play a far greater role in likely lifespan than previously thought, according to a major new study published Thursday in the journal Science . Using data from human twin studies, an international team of researchers arrived at the conclusion that the genetic contribution to how long we’re likely to live is as high as 55%. This new finding is strikingly higher than previous estimates, which have calculated the role of genetics in lifespan could range from 6% t

There are more than 2 million new cancer cases diagnosed each year in the United States, and cancer is the country’s second leading cause of death. Most cancers are caused by factors outside your control, but at least 42% of new cases are potentially avoidable. Strategies that can lower your risk often improve your overall health. ‘I’ve Been Intentional About Having Fresher Foods’ Research has repeatedly linked ultra-processed foods—generally those with a long shelf life that

It’s likely that you might have taken your health for granted in early adulthood. Maybe you could run a quick mile or stand on your feet all day long at a theme park. However, as you age, you may notice that your body doesn’t usually work as well as it used to. For example, after the age of 50, bone breakdown happens quicker than formation, which results in bone loss. That said, there are daily habits and practices that older adults can engage in to help ease some of the ache

Can you help your brain stay healthy as you age by doing things that challenge your mind? Could that also help you avoid memory loss, or even prevent or delay dementia such as Alzheimer's? Scientists need to do more research to find out for sure. But a number of studies show there are benefits to staying mentally active. Here’s what we know about the impact of exercising your brain. Can brain exercises help delay memory loss or dementia? When people keep their minds active, t

Step into any suburban garage and you’ll see the relics of January resolutions that have fallen by the wayside. Whether it’s a piece of cardio equipment, a label maker, or a spiderweb-covered juicer, these items often stick around far longer than our motivation. Each New Year can feel like the perfect time for dramatic and sweeping changes, but those big shifts don’t always stick, especially when we attempt several at once. In fact, research shows that small goals are far eas

When you think of volunteering, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s serving Thanksgiving dinner at a shelter or joining your community for spring clean-up day at your local park. Helping others during high-need seasons is admirable. Still, there are plenty of reasons to give back all year long. And many of them benefit you just as much as the people (or furry friends) you’re serving. “Volunteering is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health,” says Julian

According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 57% of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, with multivitamins being the most commonly used. Yet, despite their popularity, there’s still plenty of debate over whether multivitamins actually work. As with most things related to nutrition and health, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. At their core, multivitamins are “designed to supplement your diet, providing essential vitamins and

Find a New Purpose When you retire, you don’t just leave a job. You enter a new stage in your life. If you do something you find meaningful, you’ll be happier and healthier. Volunteer at a hospital or library. Take part in projects at your house of worship. Tutor kids who need help in school. Care for animals in a shelter. Help assemble gift boxes for soldiers overseas. Long-term, this can help both your mind and body. The Right Surroundings Where you live can help set you up

Getting older. A sedentary lifestyle. Low levels of calcium. All of these are well-known risk factors for osteoporosis , a condition that causes bones to weaken and becomes more common with age. But there’s another lesser-known one that belongs on the list: certain medications. Research shows that some of the most common medications among people 50 and over can lead to what’s known as medication-induced osteoporosis, and even an increased risk of fractures . “Most patients an

Anyone who’s lost a loved one to Alzheimer's disease may be worried about noticing symptoms in themselves. Alzheimer's takes a terrible toll. It’s the most common cause of dementia — abnormal brain changes that lead to memory loss, impaired thinking skills and confusion. Patients become unable to learn, remember and recognize family. The biggest risk factor is age, followed by family history, says Mary Sano, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and director of the Alzheimer's Disea

If Toenails Could Talk Whether you’re washing your hands or admiring a manicure, you spend a lot more time looking at your fingernails than your toenails. Maybe it’s time to focus on your feet more often (and not just during sandal season). Toenail color changes -- from a big blue spot to a thin brown line -- could signal health problems. Here’s what you need to know.  Black Toenail: Common Causes If your toenail turns black, it’s most likely a bruise under the nail, technica

Oftentimes, vitamin C (for your immune system) and vitamin B (for nerve health and energy) get the attention. But a dietitian says vitamin K , specifically vitamin K2, may be worth adding to your routine. Before incorporating any supplement to your stack, be sure to connect with your healthcare provider, so you don’t start to exhibit signs you’re taking too many vitamins . What is vitamin K2? As a whole, vitamin K primarily supports blood clotting and bone health. It’s fou

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. As you age, your body’s natural production of collagen declines, which may lead to sagging skin and wrinkles. The integrity of the collagen network found in bones also decreases, leading to a reduction in bone and joint strength. Supplementing with collagen peptides, which are broken down collagen that’s easier for your body

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death in older adults, and research suggests that prescription drugs such as opioids and antidepressants may be fueling the trend. A research review published in JAMA warns that the rising use of medications that impair balance or cause drowsiness may be contributing to a surge in fall-related deaths. Studies show that 65%-93% of the older adults who had a fall-related injury took at least one "fall risk-increasing drug" (FRID) at the

Why Is It Important to Identify Respiratory Problems? Breathing problems can indicate a medical emergency. If ignored, you could possibly suffer from serious medical complications of the respiratory system like pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, problems with the bronchi, trachea, or other parts of your airway system, or any other conditions that could potentially damage the nerves or muscles of breathing control. The following are signs that should never be ignored when it co

What Is Frailty? Frailty isn't just normal aging. It's when your body becomes less able to handle stress and recover from illness or injury. You might feel weaker, move slower, or get tired more easily. The good news? Catching early signs can help you take steps to stay stronger longer. You're Feeling Weaker Than Before Having trouble opening jars, carrying groceries, or getting up from chairs? Muscle weakness is often the first sign of frailty. You might notice tasks that u

If you’ve ever stepped into a sauna, you know the feeling: warmth wrapping around you, muscles relaxing, and stress melting away. But did you know that saunas may offer real health benefits — especially for older adults? From heart health to joint comfort, that short session in the heat can support your wellness in more ways than one. Let’s take a closer look at how (and when) to make the most of sauna time. What happens to your body in a sauna A traditional sauna raises the

The “Shaking Palsy.” Those are the words Dr. James Parkinson used in an essay more than 200 years ago to group together symptoms and describe a mysterious infirmity afflicting six individuals in London. The British physician was the first to identify and document the condition now known as Parkinson’s disease, a progressive movement disorder. Its hallmark is damage to the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain that can lead to muscle stiffness, slowness, balance issues and a

Treating Age Spots These small, flat, dark areas on your skin won’t hurt you, so you don’t have to treat them. But if you don’t like how they look, you can make the spots less noticeable or even make them disappear. You also can stop new ones from forming and keep the ones you have from getting darker. Skin-Lightening Creams and Lotions You can find lots of skin-lightening products at the drugstore. But before you buy, check the ingredients. Look for creams that contain trane

A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, not just emotionally, but financially, too. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, three out of four people with cancer worry about how they will pay for the cancer treatment and keep up with their day-to-day costs. Even with health insurance, the out-of-pocket costs can stack up fast depending on the treatments. That’s where cancer insurance comes in. What is cancer insurance? Cancer insurance is supplemental coverage designed

Trust Your Gut One of your most powerful tools is your own observation. Most of us have a sense for when a situation is dangerous. If your instinct or intuition tells you it’s serious, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. Chest Pain If you have chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a couple of minutes, or if it comes back, it’s time to call 911. You shouldn’t try to drive yourself or

Anybody can leave an online rating and review after a doctor’s appointment. They can provide honest overviews of a person’s experience with a medical professional, which can be helpful if you’re trying to decide on the right doctor for you. However, it is important to take certain factors into consideration when looking at online reviews, such as the authenticity of the feedback. Read on to learn more about what online doctor ratings mean, red flags to look out for, and more.

Early signs of dementia include cognitive symptoms and changes in behavior, mood, and personality. The symptoms can be subtle at first and later progress so that people may not be able to take care of themselves. Symptoms may indicate early dementia if they are out of character, persistent, and getting worse. It's important to see a healthcare provider if you have concerns about dementia to get a correct diagnosis. 1. Memory Loss It's common for people to forget things, espec

An estimated 10 million Americans aged 50 and older have osteoporosis, a condition that causes bone loss and a higher risk of fractures. Your risk of getting the disease increases as you get older, making it important to be aware of early warning signs of osteoporosis. Here’s the thing: Osteoporosis is known as a silent disease , because it doesn’t usually cause symptoms. But while you may not notice obvious outward signs like you would with something like a virus, there are

Staying active in retirement is good for your physical and mental health , and these activities could contribute to your well-being…and add some fun to your day! You should always check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program, but staying active is important at any age. There are also non-physical activities that can keep you healthy in other ways. Outdoor activities for seniors There are many levels of activity that can provide health benefits, particularly

Certain herbal and dietary supplements can offer health benefits, but some can interact with medications, such as blood thinners. Vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, ginger, and omega-3s are among those that can increase your risk of bleeding or other side effects. 1. Vitamin E High doses of vitamin E supplements can reduce the body's ability to form blood clots . It can do this by interfering with the metabolism of vitamin K , which is essential for activating several blood-clotting

Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your body and brain as you age. Whether you’re going for daily walks, taking SilverSneakers® classes, or chasing grandkids around the yard, movement helps maintain strength, mobility, heart health, and mental sharpness. But what about supplements? Can certain vitamins or nutrients give your body the extra support it needs to stay in motion? Here’s what the research says and what to keep in mind before adding anything new

Signs of vision loss and blindness can be subtle and increase over time or can appear suddenly. Contact an eye doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: seeing flashes of light seeing floaters or specks seeing halos around light sources decreased vision watery eyes or eye draining eye redness double vision lines look wavy or distorted blind spots in the center of your field of vision often seeing changes in your vision quality losing peripheral visio

Statistically speaking, every six seconds, someone in the world is told that they have Alzheimer’s disease — a brain condition that causes mental decline and erodes your ability to remember, think and learn. Age, genetics and family history — risk factors we can’t change — are considered driving forces behind this form of dementia. But that doesn’t make you powerless when it comes to limiting the possibility of cognitive decline. There are ways to help reduce your risk of Alz

Your prostate is only about the size of a walnut. But this small gland can cause big problems if left unchecked. Warning signs of prostate cancer “Most men with prostate cancer don’t have symptoms at first,” says urologist Christopher Weight, MD. But if you notice certain warning signs, like changes in your pee routine or pain, it’s a good idea to visit a urologist. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. But when it’s found early, it’s also one of the most

Neurologists often describe puzzles, such as crosswords, as “brain food.” They certainly keep the brain active and can lower your risk of cognitive decline. However, in order to ace your New York Times puzzle of choice—and stay healthy, more generally—the brain needs actual , nutrient-dense food. Dr. Ella Akkerman, MD , a neurologist at VSI, says that our body needs nutrients to ensure that biochemical reactions throughout the body, including those in the brain, function nor

Fiber Foods that are high in fiber -- like fruits and veggies, oatmeal, nuts, and legumes -- can help with constipation that becomes more common as you age. They're also able to help lower your cholesterol levels, manage your blood sugar, and keep you at a healthy weight. If you're a man who's 51 or older, aim to eat 30 grams of fiber each day. If you're a woman, try for about 21 grams. Whole Grains They're a great source of fiber and rich in B-vitamins, which you'll need mor

Weightlifting is one of the most important types of exercise as you get older—even if you’re just getting started in your sixth decade. Sure, ideally you’d have started strength training years (maybe decades) ago. But “there's no age limit on the muscle's ability to gain strength or even muscle mass,” says Debra Atkinson, C.S.C.S., founder at Flipping 50 . “With older adults who’ve been previously sedentary it’s just about place and pace. We start at the right place and pro

Slow Walking If your walking pace slows while you're in your 40s, it may be a sign you're aging faster than is typical. Walking is one of the easiest and best exercises you can do. To start a walking program, begin with 5 minutes a day and build up to 30 minutes. Try to work up to 100 steps a minute. (To track this, count your steps for 10 seconds and multiply by six.) To make it easier, wear supportive walking shoes and walk with a buddy. Sun Spots Brown sun spots most often

How much do daily habits like diet and exercise affect your risk for cancer? More than you might think. Research has shown that poor diet and not being active are key factors that can increase a person’s cancer risk. The good news is that you can do something about this. Besides quitting smoking, some of the most important things you can do to help reduce your cancer risk are: Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout life. Be physically active on a regular basis. Follow