Aging & Independence Archives

MGH Research Identifies 8 Social Factors That Affect Longevity

Apr 25, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

When you consider factors that affect longevity, you may first consider physical health issues, such as cardiovascular fitness, history of smoking, or even family medical history. And while those are all important considerations, certain social factors can also help forecast longevity. According to a study led by Massachusetts General Hospital … Read More

Ask the Doctor: Conversation Starters

Apr 24, 2023 · Maurizio Fava, MD · Aging & Independence

Q: My father just turned 90, and while he’s still fairly sharp, it’s getting harder to know what to talk about with him. I don’t want to bring up sad subjects, and he seldom starts conversations on his own. Any suggestions? A: It can be difficult to start conversations with … Read More

Virtual Reality Comes of Age

Apr 1, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Virtual reality (VR) and video gaming are typically associated with young people racing fast cars and slaying zombies. But some researchers and businesses have turned their attention to developing VR exclusively for older adults. From exotic armchair traveling to opera performances to physical therapy, VR’s expansion into the senior market … Read More

Telemedicine May Be the Silver Lining

Mar 26, 2023 · Orli R. Etingin, M.D. · Aging & Independence

We’re all aware that the COVID pandemic caused drastic changes in our world and our lives. But the COVID cloud may have a silver lining—telemedicine. The restrictions placed on face-to-face contact due to COVID have prompted many changes in the way we deliver health-care. Being able to evaluate and treat … Read More

How Being a Lifelong Learner Reinforces Memory, Sharpens Other Thinking Skills, and Elevates Mood

Mar 24, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

The simple act of learning new and challenging information can often be enough to stimulate the brain to support a stronger memory and sharper thinking skills. Research suggests that lifelong learning contributes to the birth of new neurons and supports healthy brain connectivity. But what does it mean to be … Read More

Is Your Emotional Health Undercutting Your Physical Health, or Vice Versa?

Mar 24, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

When you’re very nervous you might feel knots tighten in your stomach and have trouble taking deep breaths. But then you receive good news, and soon you’re breathing easier, feeling energized, and the knots have disappeared. The relationship between your emotions and your physical health—often referred to as the mind-body … Read More

Healthy Diets Linked to Longer Life

Mar 24, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

People eating more foods from their choice of healthy eating patterns can reduce risk of early death by nearly 20 percent, according to Harvard researchers. Over a 36-year period, eating habits of nearly 120,000 men and women were used to determine whether they adhered to eating foods from four healthy … Read More

Overcome Loneliness and Isolation to Preserve Memory and Forge a Brighter Outlook

Feb 26, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

The social isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a range of health consequences, including increased rates of anxiety and depression, skipped doctor’s appointments and delayed medical tests and procedures, as well as an uptick in self-reported complaints of fuzzy thinking and cognitive impairment. Likewise, many studies in … Read More

Diversify Your Social Encounters for Greater Happiness

Feb 26, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

A Harvard Business School study suggests that, just as it can be financially beneficial to have a varied investment portfolio, you may benefit emotionally from a social portfolio that includes a healthy mix of family members, friends, acquaintances, and the people you encounter running errands. The study, published in the … Read More

Living with Dementia Means Having a Greater Fall Risk

Feb 26, 2023 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

For any older adult, falls are a major cause of injury and disability. And for individuals with dementia, fall risks may be especially high. In a study published recently in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, researchers found that older adults with dementia have twice the risk … Read More

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