Aging & Independence

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Thyroid Disease

Q: What’s the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism? How will I know if I have one of these conditions? A: Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are common thyroid conditions that affect how your body uses energy. Both are linked to the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ in your neck that produces … Read More

Tai Chi Lowers Blood Pressure More Than Aerobics

· · Aging & Independence
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that tai chi may be more effective at reducing blood pressure than traditional aerobic exercises like jogging or brisk walking. This study, conducted in China, followed 342 participants with prehypertension—elevated blood pressure but not yet classified as hypertension. Participants were split into … Read More

Polypharmacy Risks May Be Greater for People with AD

· · Aging & Independence
Polypharmacy—defined as taking five or more medications daily—is common among older adults and is associated with a range of complications. People who have Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are especially vulnerable to these negative health outcomes, warns a recent study (Biological Research for Nursing, January). For the study, researchers from Drexel University … Read More

Here’s to Helping Hands

· · Aging & Independence
Many older adults find that their grip strength declines after age 65—it’s thought that men lose about 3 percent of their hand strength annually, while women lose about 2.4 percent. “A decline in hand strength can impact your ability to perform daily activities,” says David Thomas, MD, PhD, professor of … Read More

When Warfarin Makes Sense

· · Aging & Independence
Millions of Americans take blood thinners: drugs that help prevent potentially lethal blood clots that can form in the heart if you have the abnormal heart rhythm atrial fibrillation or have undergone heart valve replacement, or in the legs if you are sedentary due to illness, injury, or surgery. Blood … Read More

Veg Intake May Prevent Frailty

· · Aging & Independence
Increasing vegetable intake during midlife is associated with lower likelihood of physical frailty in later life, according to a Chinese study. Data from nearly 12,000 participants, with a mean age of 52 at the start of the study and 72 at follow-up, showed that compared to those with the lowest … Read More

Research Roundup February 2025

· · Aging & Independence
• Plant Diets Heart Protective. Vegetarian and vegan dietary patterns are associated with reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, versus non-vegetarian diets, according to researchers. In an umbrella review of 21 reviews on the impact of diets’ impact on heart health, researchers found … Read More

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